"He's my legs, I'm his rock": experiences of adaptation and change in couple relationships following spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: Experiencing spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause several challenges and changes within romantic relationships immediately after injury and in the long-term. However, there is a lack of research concerning the formation, maintenance and adjustment of couple relationships post-SCI. This study uses qualitative methods to explore how SCI may impact on couple relationships.

METHODS

Four females and five males with SCI participated in a semi-structured interview. Some were with their current partner at the time of injury; others established their relationship following SCI. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis produced themes showing that communication, negotiating and maintaining clearly defined roles, mutual support and changing definitions of intimacy were important processes for adjustment and maintenance of romantic relationships following SCI.

DISCUSSION: The study's results provide further insight into factors that are important for couples when maintaining and adjusting their relationship post-SCI. They have implications for healthcare providers, charities and other agencies supporting couples following SCI and for dyads learning to negotiate intimacy and relational challenges post-injury.