Encontrar um novo sentido da vida: um estudo explicativo da adaptação após lesão medular

The present study explores and describes the adaptation phenomena following spinal cord injury, focusing on the applied strategies of adaptation and identifying the necessary nursing care. The research used a qualitative approach, applying the Grounded Theory as a methodological reference. A groups of nine individuals who had spinal cord injuries, and who presented a successful adaptation to a new way of life, was assessed by means of semi-directed interviews. Documentary analyses about life histories were performed and the Grounded Theory was used for data analyses. The study allowed for the explanation of the adaptation phenomena following the event of the spinal cord injury, which highlighted the influence of the acceptance of a new meaning of life and the maintenance of the will to manage from the injury. The central subject of this study is the spiritual dimension of the Individual. This anticipates a specific nursing intervention for people suffering from spinal cord injuries.