Differences between the effect of personality on functional outcome on patients with spinal cord injury and other neurologic conditions

This study examined whether there were differences in the relationship between personality variables and functional outcome of traumatic SCI patients as compared to those of two comparison groups: patients with neurologic conditions and patients with history of spinal stenosis and/or medical procedures on the back. 96 participants joined the study at an acute rehabilitation hospital after being screened for cognitive functioning and preexisting mental health issues. A significant difference was found between Anxiety levels of the administration of the BAI during hospitalization versus 3 months after discharge. Significant improvement in functional independence, measured by the FIM, was found between admission and discharge, as well as between discharge and 3 months post discharge. The rate of recovery for theSpinal Stenosis/Surgery group was significantly different between the SCI group and the Neurologic Disorder group. Entering the Group variable in a multiple regression model, the rate of recovery of patients on the spinal cord injury unit of the rehabilitation hospital was found to be significantly related to the type of diagnosis. Entering the Neuroticism variable of the NEO-PI-R accounted for a significant level of variance in the level of depression, and the relationship between Neuroticism and the level of depression was positive. Entering the Extraversion variable of the NEO-PI-R also accounted for a significant level of variance in the level of depression, and the relationship between Extraversion and the level of depression was negative. Entering the Neuroticism variable also accounted for a significant level of variance in the level of anxiety, and the relationship between Neuroticism and the level of anxiety was positive. The relationships between the personality characteristics of Neuroticism and depression and anxiety, as well as between Extraversion and depression would be helpful for the clinician in his/her awareness of the possibility of the development of depression and anxiety during the recovery process. The personality factors that contribute or deter from the psychological adjustment of the patient can also provide goals in brief psychotherapy to improve the patient\u27s awareness of their personality tendencies