RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PROCESS OF AWARENESS OF DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURIES
1988 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 43-50
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1988 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 43-50
The psychological acceptance of physical disabilities, especially in terms of self-awareness, was investigated in 43 patients with traumatic spinal-cord injuries. Results were as follows.
1) There is a disparity between the period when patients resign themselves recovery from paralysis and when they recognize themselves as handicapped in social life.
2) Those paients who gain independent ADLs (Activities of Daily Livings) go through these two periods succesively.
3) Extremely disabled patients who must be permanently dependent on others can only resign themselves to recovery and never go beyond it.
4) Depressive reactions occur when patients resign themselves to recovery, however, this tendency is not apparent when they recognize themselves as handicapped individuals.
5) Various problems during rehabilitation can be understood as problems in above-mentioned process of self-awareness of disability.
6) Comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including psycho-social approaches, are necessary to prevent such problems.
