Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects both the physical and psychological well-being of patients, posing one of the most complex challenges in medical and psychological fields. This study systematically reviews the psychological consequences of SCI and explores strategies for psychological adaptation. Following PRISMA guidelines, 47 studies were selected from an initial pool of 1,247 articles and analyzed through narrative synthesis. The results indicate that individuals with SCI frequently experience depression (25–45%), anxiety (35%), lowered self-esteem, and social isolation (up to 60%). Key theoretical frameworks guiding this study include stress coping theory, self-determination theory, the biopsychosocial model, and psychological resilience. Psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), resilience-based programs, and emerging technologies like extended reality (XR) have shown positive effects in alleviating psychological symptoms and enhancing adaptation. Nonetheless, challenges remain, including limited access to psychological services and cultural barriers. Therefore, developing affordable and culturally appropriate interventions—especially in underserved regions—is crucial.
