Post-SCI Identity

The ongoing process of reconstructing self-concept and personal identity following a spinal cord injury. Rather than a one-time adjustment, identity recreation after SCI is a continuous, non-linear process significantly influenced by periodic changes in motor functionality, such as gaining or losing sensation, learning to use new mobility aids, or transitioning between types of wheelchairs. People with SCI often seek both informational and emotional support to navigate this identity reconstruction, addressing changes in self-image, independence, social relationships, and life roles. Research shows that this process persists regardless of time since injury, challenging rehabilitation models that assume a fixed recovery timeline.