The Role of Defensive Mechanisms on Emotional Expressiveness and Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder in Spinal Cord-Injured Patients Publisher



Garshasbi S ; Emamirazavi SH ; Saffarinia M ; Manesh NE
Source: Iranian Journal of Neurosurgery Published:2025

Abstract

Background and Aim: Defense mechanisms influence emotional expression and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, but this effect is unclear in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigated the role of coping mechanisms on emotional expressiveness and symptoms of social anxiety disorder in people with SCI. Methods and Materials/Patients: This study, entitled “Investigating the relationship between defense mechanisms, emotional expressiveness, and social anxiety disorder symptoms in individuals with SCI,” began in April 2023 and continued over 1 year. A total of 100 people with SCI were randomly selected from those referred to Tehran Welfare Center, Tehran City, Iran. Social anxiety, emotional expressiveness, and defensive styles questionnaires were used for data collection. The t-test was used for data analysis using SPSS software, version 22. Results: This study showed a relationship between defense mechanisms and emotional expressiveness in people with SCI (P<0.05). However, there is no relationship between defense mechanisms and social anxiety disorder in these people. There is no significant relationship between the demographic characteristics and either social phobia disorder or emotional expressiveness. However, a significant relationship was obtained between mature defense styles and being single (P<0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with SCI may use self-coping mechanisms to express their emotions. In people with SCI, efforts should be made to use appropriate coping mechanisms to express their excitement in proper ways. © 2025 Guilan University of Medical Sciences.