Hayter, M.Dorstyn, D.S.2013-12-102013-12-102014Spinal Cord, 2014; 52(2):167-1711362-43931476-5624http://hdl.handle.net/2440/81483Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Objectives: To examine factors that may enhance and promote resilience in adults with spina bifida. Setting: Community-based disability organisations within Australia. Methods: Ninety-seven adults with a diagnosis of spina bifida (SB) completed a survey comprising of demographic questions in addition to standardised self-report measures of physical functioning (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, 10 item), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale), self-compassion (Self-compassion Scale) and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, 21 item). Results: The majority (66%) of respondents reported moderate to high resilience. Physical disability impacted on coping, with greater CD-RISC 10 scores reported by individuals who were functionally independent in addition to those who experienced less medical co-morbidities. Significant correlations between resilience and psychological traits (self-esteem r = 0.36, P<0.01; self-compassion r =0.40, P<0.01) were also noted. However, the combined contribution of these variables only accounted for 23% of the total variance in resilience scores (R2 = 0.227, F(5,94)= 5.23, P<0.01). Conclusion: These findings extend current understanding of the concept of resilience in adults with a congenital physical disability.The suggestion is that resilience involves a complex interplay between physical determinants of health and psychological characteristics, such as self-esteem and self-compassion. It follows that cognitive behavioural strategies with a focus on self-management may, in part, contribute to the process of resilience in this group. Further large-scale and longitudinal research will help to confirm these findings.en© 2013 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reservedspina bifidaresiliencedepressionpsychologyadjustmentJournal article00300002422013121109054810.1038/sc.2013.15292 Health9202 Health and Support Services920204 Evaluation of Health Outcomes17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences1701 Psychology170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology0003310827000142-s2.0-8489385560364248Dorstyn, D.S. [0000-0002-7799-8177]