Project 466830

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at risk for developing issues related to their mental health. Depression is the most common psychological problem that people with SCI face, affecting 25;30% of individuals with SCI living in the community. However, individuals with SCI have limited access to programs that address their specific mental health needs. Hence, there is a need to improve access to programs that address the mental health and wellness of people with SCI and ensure that these programs are catered to their specific needs. Creating mindfulness programs can address these issues, as it has been successful in other illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. However, there is a lack of research in mindfulness for people with SCI. I aim to identify the considerations to implement an online mindfulness program to improve the quality of life in people with SCI. Based on the results of an earlier qualitative study, I will build a survey that will be administered online to ask approximately 100 individuals with SCI across Canada to rate the importance of various program components (e.g., program content, who should deliver the program, how the program should be delivered, etc.). These individuals will be recruited using online advertisements posted on community-based organizations such as SCI Canada. The results of this research will lead to recommendations for an online mindfulness program that considers the specific needs of people with SCI. In doing so, this program will be both relevant and accessible, and improve the emotional well-being and overall quality of life of individuals with SCI.