Safety, acceptance and enablement in a shaken world: The role of relationships in post traumatic growth development following spinal cord injury

Abstract

Research indicates relationships can support post traumatic growth (PTG) following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, knowledge of this area is limited. Thus, the study aimed to explore the role of relationships and perceived support in PTG development. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had acquired SCI in adulthood. Constructivist Grounded Theory was utilised for analysis. Tracy’s qualitative markers were used to ensure quality and rigour. Findings showed SCI can disrupt core beliefs, triggering cognitive and behavioural re-evaluation processes to rebuild beliefs, and experience PTG. Three inter-related themes of how relationships support these processes were revealed: ‘a safe place to get back on your feet’; accepting and valuing me and enabling learning and independence. Relationships can support PTG processes through providing emotional safety, enabling exploration of self and supporting self-acceptance. A tentative theoretical model is provided, with implications for PTG theories and recommendations for clinical practice.