Resilience and coping: a qualitative analysis of cognitive and behavioral factors in adults with osteogenesis Imperfecta.
Hannah E Cho, Whitney S Shepherd, Gianna M Colombo and 11 others
PMID 38841844WHAT IT FOUND
Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta described building resilience by separating their identity from their diagnosis and reframing physical limitations as opportunities for growth.
They relied heavily on social support, planning ahead, and acceptance of pain rather than trying to control what they could not change.
Key findings
01Participants often defined themselves apart from their disability, viewing OI as just one part of their life rather than their primary identity.
02Acceptance and positive reframing were the most common psychological strategies, involving acknowledging pain or loss of function without attempting to avoid it.
03Behavioral coping relied heavily on seeking external social support and community, with fewer participants using formal therapy or educational tools.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (15 participants) and not representative of the broader OI population, being predominantly White, female, and higher educational achievement. Most participants had Type I OI, the mildest form, so findings may not apply to those with more severe types or greater physical limitations. The study is qualitative and cannot determine if these coping strategies actually improve health outcomes or resilience compared to other approaches.
Declared interests
None reported in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these coping strategies are effective or proven to improve health outcomes. This study describes what resilient adults said they did, but it does not show that these behaviors caused resilience or that they work for everyone, especially those with severe OI or different backgrounds.