The relationship between 5-year changes in perceived cognitive function and psychosocial outcomes in individuals with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE/

OBJECTIVE

Changes in perceived cognitive function after spinal cord injury (SCI) may have important implications for psychosocial well-being. Our purpose was to examine the association between 5-year changes in perceived cognitive function and subjective well-being, satisfaction with participation, depressive symptoms, and anxiety in adults with SCI.

RESEARCH METHOD/

DESIGN

Data were collected from 385 individuals with traumatic SCI in 2018 and 2023, the two most recent time points in the 50-year SCI Longitudinal Aging Study. Perceived cognitive function was assessed at both times using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Cognitive Function scale.

RESULTS

Participants whose perceived cognitive function scores were below normal limits on both occasions reported significantly lower satisfaction with participation (B = -3.25, p < .01) and subjective well-being (B = -6.08, p < .05), greater depressive symptoms (B = 3.83, p < .01), and higher anxiety (B = 2.99, p < .01) compared with those who remained within normal limits. Participants whose scores declined below normal limits also reported significantly lower satisfaction with participation (B = -4.73, p < .01) and greater depressive symptoms (B = 2.64, p < .01) and anxiety (B = 2.48, p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Perceived cognitive function may be particularly important to maintaining psychological and social well-being after SCI. Routinely assessing perceived cognitive function may guide interventions to support well-being after SCI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).