This thesis investigated two concepts which have shown promise in accounting for psychological adaptation to spinal cord injury: sense of coherence and posttraumatic growth. Paper one describes a systematic review which investigated the relationships between sense of coherence and physical and mental health outcomes in spinal cord injured individuals. Thirteen studies met criteria for the review. Their findings are summarised and critically appraised. Paper two describes an investigation into predictors of posttraumatic growth following spinal cord injury. Relevant predictors were drawn from theoretical models of posttraumatic growth and from the literature pertaining to psychological adaptation to spinal cord injury. The findings of this study suggest that deliberate rumination, appraisals of disability, social support and core belief disruption help to account for the experience of posttraumatic growth following spinal cord injury. Paper three provides a critical review of this project. The rationale for many of the decisions made is provided, alongside a contextualisation of the findings within their respective theoretical and empirical frameworks. Recommendations for clinical practice and service development are drawn from the studies. Future directions for research which arise from the current project are also discussed.