Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare differences in life satisfaction, quality of life and mood between UK and Chinese tetraplegia patients after rehabilitation.MethodsThe sample consisted of 44 tetraplegics, 22 from UK and 22 from China, the survey about life satisfaction, quality of life, anxiety and depression was made and analyzed.ResultsPatients of UK group were significantly more satisfied with their situations of vocational and financial, and family life than that in Chinese group, and more active with their value of life, meaning of life and mood than that in Chinese group. No significant differences were identified between two groups in life as a whole, self care, leisure situation, sexual life, partnership relations, contact with friends and ratings of overall quality of life.ConclusionIt is very important to enhance the psychological adaptation of disability so as to improve the quality of life of the tetraplegics in China.

Key words: psychology, quality of life, life satisfaction, tetraplegia, spinal cord injury (SCI)