Author(s)

Jie Jiao, Mark M. Heyne, Chow S. Lam

Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA.

This study explored the roles of perceived social support and depression in acceptance of disability among Chinese individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Design: An exploratory and cross-sectional study was conducted in an outpatient rehabilitation center in Guangzhou, China. One hundred Chinese individuals with SCI completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Center for Epidemiological Studies Short Depression Scale, and Acceptance of Disability Scale. Results: In general, there was low acceptance of disability and a high prevalence of depression among Chinese individuals with SCI. Higher acceptance of disability was associated with less depressive symptoms and higher level of perceived social support. Furthermore, depression was shown to mediate the relationship between perceived social support and acceptance of disability. Conclusion: Depression is an essential factor in the process of acceptance of disability. Cross-cultural studies are needed to facilitate a better understanding of the adjustment process following disabilities and apply culturally sensitive interventions to promote acceptance of disability.

Acceptance of Disability; Depression; Social Support; Spinal Cord Injuries; Chinese

Jiao, J. , Heyne, M. & Lam, C. (2012). Acceptance of Disability among Chinese Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries: The Effects of Social Support and Depression. Psychology, 3, 775-781. doi: 10.4236/psych.2012.329117.