Relationship quality and perceived social support in persons with spinal cord injury

Study design: This is a cross-sectional study. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the associations among the quality of couple relationship, perceived social support and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: The study was conducted in Italy. Methods: Forty-three persons with SCI were administered questionnaires for the evaluation of relationship quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale), perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) and HRQoL (Short Form 36). Results: Many significant correlations between the scores of relationship quality and social support were detected. Relationship quality also correlated with relevant measures of HRQoL, such as Mental Health and Vitality. No correlation between spousal support and HRQoL was found, whereas friends' support correlated with Physical Role Functioning. Conclusions: Data suggest that the perception of social support is strictly related to relationship quality and that marital satisfaction might be related to relevant aspects of HRQoL more likely than social support itself.