The positive by-products of spinal cord injury and their correlates

Objective: To assess positive by-products from the struggles with traumatic spinal cord injury and to explore their correlates. Study Design: Forty-two participants and nominated proxy informants were interviewed 18-36 months post spinal cord injury. Main Outcome Measures: The Perceived Benefit Scales (J. C. McMillen & R. Fisher, 1998) and Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (L. R. Derogatis, 1994). Results: Increased compassion and family closeness and decreased alcohol consumption were commonly reported following injury. Correlations between self- and proxy ratings of positive by-products were low. Positive by-products were not related to psychopathology and hid different correlates. Conclusion: Positive by-products are different from other kinds of outcomes, but because loved ones do not necessarily notice these benefits, their validity remains in doubt.