Understanding Interpersonal Violence Against People with SCI and Its Psychosocial Impacts
Abstract
Objectives and Rationale This study will identify negative psychosocial effects of interpersonal violence (IPV) experienced by people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Psychosocial refers to psychological and social factors. IPV is the use of force or power by one person against another person. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse as well as disability-related abuse, such as neglecting basic care needs or withholding assistive devices. IPV can have serious negative effects on psychological and social health. People with SCI are at high risk for IPV. They also are at high risk for poor psychosocial health including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, loneliness, and social isolation. It is therefore concerning that there is very little research on IPV and its harmful effects on people with SCI, including Veterans. In fact, the few available studies focusing on people with SCI only ask about sexual IPV or about IPV experienced over a person’s lifetime, making it unclear if the IPV was experienced before or following injury. The proposed project is the first known national study of the negative psychosocial impacts of postinjury IPV on people with SCI. The objective of the proposed project is to increase the understanding of postinjury IPV and its negative effects on psychosocial health among people with SCI, including Veterans. The specific aims are to identify (1) types of postinjury IPV experienced by people with SCI, relationships to perpetrators, what helps or prevents seeking help, and the negative psychosocial effects of IPV; (2) risk factors for postinjury IPV, such as race, education and other demographics, level of injury, and other SCI characteristics, and experience with IPV before SCI; and (3) the relation between postinjury IPV and psychosocial health: depression, anxiety, PTSD, loneliness, and social isolation. To address these aims, we will conduct two studies. In Study 1, we will remotely interview up to 30 people with SCI who have experienced IPV after their injury. We will ask about their IPV experiences, types of abusers, help-seeking experiences, and perceptions of the negative psychosocial effects of IPV. Study 2 will draw on the interview findings to develop a national survey administered to 350 people with SCI. The survey will provide new information related to the nature, risk factors, and the psychosocial effects of IPV in people with SCI. Applicability and Impact: The proposed project will make a significant contribution toward advancing SCI research while directly addressing the Fiscal Year 2022 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award Psychosocial Issues Focus Area. This project will systematically respond to a critical issue that has been largely neglected by both the SCI and the IPV literature. Given that people with disabilities are at high risk for severe IPV, unique types of IPV, and IPV by more abusers, this project will be applicable to all persons with SCI, including Veterans. We anticipate our findings will provide a wealth of information that can be used to increase awareness of IPV and its consequences. We will share our project findings broadly through diverse organizations and stakeholder groups. Dissemination materials, including factsheets, infographics, and animated videos, will be tailored for specific audiences, focusing on education, prevention, and supports to promote psychosocial health and recovery. We will distribute these products widely through our institutions and rich networks of organizations committed to serving the disability community. We will initiate the dissemination throughout the funding period and thus, anticipate them to have an immediate impact. Materials developed for healthcare providers will focus on providing trauma-informed care, understanding risk factors, eliminating barriers to help seeking, recognizing and screening for IPV, responding to IPV, and making
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2024
- Source ID
- HT94252310396
Entities
People
- Susan Robinson-whelen
Organizations
- Memorial Hermann Healthcare System
- United States Army