Parenting With a Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review of Mothers' and Fathers' Experiences

Objective: A significant gap in the literature is the synthesis of qualitative studies exploring experiences of parenting with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent articles have tended to focus on disability more broadly, failing to account for the unique experience of the suddenness of SCI. Method: This article focuses on a qualitative systematic review of articles that addresses parents' experiences of parenting with an SCI. An analysis of seven articles and one book that met the inclusion criteria was conducted. Results: Three key themes were identified as pertinent factors that impact parents' experiences: parenting amplifying the disability, experiencing and challenging negative social attitudes, and continuities and change in the parenting role. Conclusions: These findings highlighted the constraints imposed upon people within both the public and private domains of their lives. Psychoeducation about SCI can facilitate greater inclusion and reduced stigma in society, while support in adjusting to their SCI would be helpful in fostering the parent-child relationship in the context of a life-changing injury. Impact and Implications Increased awareness and education about the abilities of parents with a spinal cord injury is key to challenging negative societal attitudes and contributing to more positive experiences for those people at home and in the community. Providing emotional support to parents with a spinal cord injury may help in developing their confidence in parenting and lend itself to overall better psychological well-being.