Citation

Jurisić B, Marusic A. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 37.

Affiliation

Cesta VDV brigade 24, 1431 Dol pri Hrastniku, Slovenia. (brigita.jurisic@kiss.si)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16963896

Abstract

Background: Previous research has shown psychological reactions and even mental disorders in patients with spinal cord injury during their rehabilitation. Objectives: The main aim of our study was to explore relationships between self-concept, PTSD symptoms and presence or absence of suicide ideation and behaviour in subjects after a motor vehicle accident resulting in permanent physical disability. Method: Our preliminary sample consisted of 50 individuals with paraplegia, quadriplegia or amputation. The following assessment instruments were used: an anamnestic data questionnaire; Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2; Impact of Event Scale - Revised; and Suicidal ideations and behaviour questionnaire. Results: Low total self-concept, presence of PTSD symptoms and very high suicidal ideation or behaviour were obtained. Also high family history of suicidology was obtained. The performed correlation analyses indicated associations between PTSD symptoms, low self-concept and suicidality; even more so for low family and moral self-concept, PTSD symptoms and suicidal plans. Conclusions: Our findings have several limitations; the preliminary sample offering only a small degree of statistical power being the main one. On the other hand, results do support our intent to seriously consider self-concept and suicide risk in the patients with permanent physical disability, something that has been rather neglected so far.

Language: en