‘An ongoing journey’: A qualitative case-study exploring growth following spinal cord injury

This qualitative single-case study explores the lived experiences of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD) in an individual following spinal cord injury (SCI). A narrative analysis approach enabled the collection of multi-layered and rich insights into the lived experiences of Melanie, a doctor who has had a SCI for over 6 years. Melanie’s woven narrative showcases the complex interplay between PTG and PTD, with her adjustment to a new way of living being described as ‘an ongoing journey’. We highlight Melanie’s emergence of PTG as well as the challenges she has faced in the aftermath of her SCI. The findings represented by five themes: Adapting to a new way of living; Recognising what matters; Relationships and the two sides of its coin; The personal nature of spirituality; and Reflections: ‘we are a hard population to talk to’ demonstrate the coexistence of PTG and PTD in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Future research should explore this further, given the potential implications for the provision of holistic and person-centred SCI rehabilitation strategies.