The psychologist’s role in the Unit of Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Although psychological intervention in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit is crucial for the rehabilitation of this kind of patient, it is not taken into account. Until now only the physical aspects have been considered, leaving aside the psychological and social ones. However, the psychological adjustment of the patient is the critical determining factor in the success of his rehabilitation.

At the present moment, there is no psychological rehabilitation programme in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. However, with the development of this programme, the psychologist will be able to teach the spinal cord injured to deal with the inferiority he feels in a world of «whole» persons. We are convinced that with a psychological intervention it is possible to establish a difference between what is believed a spinal injured person is able to do and what he can actually achieve.