Introduction: Spinal cord injury causes damage to nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. That can result in permanent impairments of bodily functions below the injury site, causing a significant impact on a person's daily life. Unexpected changes also occur in life roles. These are part of an individual's occupational identity and influence self-esteem, occupation choices and the development of expected and routine behaviours. Occupational therapists are part of rehabilitation team. They help individuals maintain health, well-being, and quality of life. Occupational therapists use theoretical models to help them put theory into practice. Purpose: Our purpose was to explore how individuals experience and adapt to changes in life roles after a spinal cord injury. Methods: 6 people with paraplegia in working age were included in the qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Inductively, four main themes and nine subthemes were identified. The main themes are taking on new role, role dynamics, the process of acceptance and adjustment. Subthemes include wheelchair user, motivator, preservation, change, subjective perspective, willpower, barriers, physical environment, and occupational environment. Discussion and conclusion: Participation in roles is crucial for individuals with spinal cord injuries as they aim to remain equal members of society. The process of accepting changes usually occurs in seven phases over a period of time. In foreign literature the most research has been done on the changes in the roles of parents and employees. In the process of maintaining roles, the support of the social environment is of great importance. The most common obstacle to encounter after a spinal cord injury is the environment that is built inaccessible. Various adaptations to the physical and occupational environment enable individuals to maintain their roles and identity, achieve goals, and lead satisfying lives. Understanding an individual's life roles can aid occupational therapists in planning user-centred therapy, empowering, and facilitating their return to the home environment.
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