Psychosocial Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability

Question 1

What is psychosocial adaptation?

Answer 1

The process of putting oneself in harmony with the changing circumstances of life so as to enhance one’s sense of well-being and long-term survivorship
A process
Includes coming to a point of demonstrating positive self-regard and positive attitude toward the disability

Question 2

What is ableism?

Answer 2

Discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior
Rooted in the assumption that disabled people require “fixing” and defines people by their disability

Question 3

What are the three dimensions of disability?

Answer 3

Impairment in mental or body structure or functioning (pertains to a loss of an anatomical structure)
Activity limitation (difficulty seeing, hearing, problem solving, etc.)
Participation restrictions (a person’s involvement in a life situation, such as working, social and recreational activities, and obtaining services)

Question 4

What is coping?

Answer 4

To deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties
Can be maladaptive (negative) or adaptive (positive)
Reduce the negative factor and maintain positive self-esteem
Determined by personal factors and situational factors
Various strategies

Question 5

What are coping strategies?

Answer 5

Avoidance
Problem-solving
Denial or minimization
Seeking social support
Seeking meaning
Blaming or self-criticism
Planning
Acceptance of situation
Turning to religion or wishful thinking
Disengaging from situation
Negotiation or bargaining
Venting feelings
Mindfulness

Question 6

Can chronic illness and disability alter one’s body image?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

What are the two ways to view denial?

Answer 7

Stage in processing grief
Defense mechanism (complete denial, minimization of disability, project disability onto others, admits disability in past but claims recovery)

Question 8

What are the phase models of adjustment?

Answer 8

Nondiscrete and categorically overlapping reactions
Shock
Anxiety
Denial
Depression
Internalized anger
Externalized hostility
Acknowledgement
Adjustment
*Kubler-Ross model death and dying (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance)