The objectives of this study were to describe psychosocial adjustment and outcome over time for severely brain-injured patients and to find suitable outcome measures for clinical practice during the rehabilitation process and for individual rehabilitation planning after discharge from hospital. The methods include a descriptive, prospective,…

The study examined the adjustment of 414 disabled persons admitted into an industrial rehabilitation program in Nigeria. Hypotheses that the ability to stick to a course of rehabilitation and the ability to perform well upon completion would be a function of the level of acceptance of loss were upheld. (Author/DB)

The construct validity of the General Handicapped Attitude Scale was investigated with 44 spinal cord lesioned patients. Scores on the subscales of acceptance and social consequences did not correlate with scores for severity of handicap but did correlate significantly with scores for personal attitude toward the handicap. (Author/DB)

Four coping styles demonstrated by mentally retarded adults are postulated: the positive-passive style (high norm orientation with little tendency to get attention); negative-passive style (high tendency to get attention); assertive style (low norm orientation, high stigmatization, and low tendency to get attention); and defensive style (low…

Developed in the Netherlands, the General Handicapped Scale is a 36-item instrument which measures four aspects of level of acceptance: (1) acceptance of the handicapping condition itself; (2) degree of frustration concerning dependence on others; (3) perception of how the public views handicapped persons; (4) psychic substratum (emotional…

This article discusses how experiences during rehabilitation may influence self-concept among individuals who have sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Experiences are illustrated by personal accounts of 35 individuals (28 men and 7 women) with SCI. Data suggest that aspects of the rehabilitation process may need to be restructured.…

This study examined the amount of psychosocial disturbance experienced by adults (n=53) in India with epilepsy, as well as the relationship between psychosocial dysfunction, duration of illness, and computerized axial tomography findings. Results indicated that three-quarters exhibited no or very mild psychosocial dysfunction. (DB)

Analysis of completed questionnaires from 192 individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy found that half the sample had experienced only 3 seizures or less since onset, but 91% reported at least some adjustment problems, most frequently concerning fear of seizures, fear of stigma in employment, or problems with accepting the diagnosis. (DB)

This exploratory study assessed whether mental disability stigma can be usefully investigated by looking at parental (n=131) stress and (1) deviating characteristics of the child and (2) distressing reactions of others. Stress was found to be significantly associated with parents exhibiting either controlled affect or dissociation modes of coping.…

This survey of South Korean mothers (n=135) of children with mental retardation found significant correlations between parental score on a scale of parental adjustment and socioeconomic status, age of mother, and age of child. No significant trend was found for maternal adjustment and the child's IQ level. (DB)

Eighty Nigerian parents of deaf children were interviewed and given a questionnaire to determine how they perceived the way in which they were told of their children's hearing loss and counseled. Results are discussed in terms of initial concern and diagnosis, family reactions and education, professional support, and educational placement. (DB)

Fifteen families seeking family counseling after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were monitored over a two-year period. Findings indicated decreased distress for both individuals with TBI and their caretakers, reduced burdens carried by family members, reduced conflict, and increased family cohesion and adjustment. However, reported anger levels,…

This study with 14 prelingually deaf adults seeking counseling found that the use of "lay" counselors using sign language was effective; these deaf individuals varied greatly in their problems, needs, and potentials; these adults accepted their deafness; and all had some positive resources in either their emotional network (family) or social…

This study examined the mentoring component of a program in the United Kingdom for young unemployed adults with the physical disability of arthritis. The 18-month Into-Work Personal Development Programme includes residential components, mentoring, and a work experience or vocational-training placement. Issues are raised concerning matching of…

The study explored the effect of different psychopedagogical factors on the adaptation process in 365 first year students at the Pedagogical University of Cracow (Poland). Eight sessions of "creative therapy" included music, art, and discussion. (DB)