Spinal cord injury and the joy of work

Abstract

Work, which plays such a prominent part in the narrative of human life, is central to a person's happiness (or unhappiness). Because this is so, the fact that spinal cord injury (SCI) tends to take a person out of the workforce (sometimes permanently) is recognized as a central part of post-injury loss. This paper draws on the insights of the virtue tradition and the discipline of positive psychology, to explore the notion of happiness (well-being) and its relationship to the vocations of people with SCI. In particular, it describes the virtues that can contribute to a person's capacity to obtain and sustain employment. This includes virtues relating to dependency and independency, as well as the role of hope, optimism and the like. It concludes with a brief discussion of the contribution that people with SCI can make to the culture of the workplace.

Keywords:

• spinal cord injury
• disability
• work
• employment
• happiness
• well-being
• virtue
• positive psychology

Notes

1. In authentic happiness Seligman (2002) describes three ascending dimensions of happiness, positive mood, gratification (flow), meaning and value. In his more recent book he identifies five dimensions, adding accomplishment and positive relationships to the other three. In following the earlier virtue tradition, I include accomplishment with gratification and positive relationships with meaning and value (Seligman 2012). See also Lopez and Snyder (2011).

2. http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/disability-support-pension, accessed 18 July 2012.

3. Narrative draws from recorded interview of John Trefry by author on 12 January 2012. Recording and use in this document has written approval.