In this study, a qualitative perspective of how 13 women (aged 25 to 61 years) with spinal cord injury perceive the importance of social support for their participation in occupation is presented. The data were collected through repeated in-depth interviews and field notes, and the analysis used a grounded theory approach. The women needed both emotional and practical support, which was important in a time perspective and motivated them to participate in occupation. The women needed to receive support soon after the injury, but after a period of time they needed to give and receive support in a reciprocal fashion. Social support is therefore an effective rehabilitation strategy that can motivate people with disabilities to participate in meaningful occupation. The importance of social support for a person's motivation and ability to participate in occupation expands our knowledge of the relationship between individuals, their social environment, and occupation.
Validerad; 2007; 20061107 (andbra)