Stigma following acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury: relationship to psychological distress and community integration in the first-year post-discharge

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Published 8th May 2023

Research shows that people with neurological injury strongly value having a sense of citizenship and feeling part of their community. However, many report experiencing negative societal attitudes or stigma related to their injury that limits their social participation. 

We examined experiences of stigma at discharge, 3-months post-discharge and 12-months discharge after ABI and SCI. Levels of stigma did not differ according to injury type. However, individuals who perceived high levels of stigma in the first few months post-discharge were more likely to experience poorer long-term community integration after accounting for the influence of functional status and depression.

The first few months post-discharge represent an important phase for health professionals to support individuals to explore their beliefs regarding disability and enhance connection to their community. Both individual-level and broader societal interventions are needed to address stigma.

Authors

Jessica O'Loghlen

Mandy Nielsen

Melissa Kendall

Tamara Ownsworth

Professor