Psychosocial mechanisms explaining the Association between spirituality and happiness in individuals with spinal cord injuries

The main objective of this study was to examine health status, perceived stress, social support, self-esteem and psychological well-being as mediator variables for the relationship between spirituality and happiness. Quantitative descriptive research design using multiple regression and correlation techniques was used. Participants were 274 individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) recruited from the Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan chapters of the Canadian Paraplegic Association. All of the five mediators were significantly associated with happiness. The five-mediator model accounted for 68% of the variance in happiness. The findings confirm spirituality is associated with happiness indirectly through its association with perceived stress, health status, social support, self-esteem, and psychological well-being, each of which is uniquely associated with happiness. Rehabilitation counselors should consider integrating spiritual interventions with health promotion interventions in vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with SCI to improve outcomes in life satisfaction.