The cocoon syndrome: A coping mechanism of spinal cord injured persons.

Institutionalized spinal-cord-injured persons have been noted frequently to spend their bed rest and sleep time with their head covered with bed linens or pillows. The present study determined the prevalence of this behavior and its etiology. Comparison groups of 29 spinal-cord-injured and 80 non-spinal-cord-injured patients at 2 rehabilitation facilities were periodically observed during sleep and bedtimes. Following the observation periods, the Ss who manifested the behavior were interviewed to determine causal factors. Results establish a marked prevalence of the behavior in the spinal-cord-injured population compared to other physical disability types. Interview data suggest that head-covering fulfills a variety of functions related to the coping process, but the reason for its prevalence in the spinal-cord-injured population remains uncertain. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)