25 Jun 2022

182

Psychology of Disability and Illness

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Academic level: College

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In the course, the material discussed reviews on the various aspects which are associated with illness and disability and are psychological in nature. The primary issues which have been discussed at length include the responses an individual indicates towards their support network, family, the stress related to the disability and illness (Dell Orto & Power, 2007) . Also, the course further on delves into the positive coping responses recorded during the process, the established strategies that have been observed to promote these reactions and healthy behaviours. Additionally, topics that are also intricately deliberate on relating to the subject include the treatment of sexually abused individuals, the manifestations of psychopathological malaises, application of principalities of physical therapy practice and the manner in which family and individual responses are affected by their respective cultures. 

Review of psychosocial aspects of illness and disability to include responses from the individual, family, and support network to the stress of disease and disability as well as strategies to promote healthy behaviors and positive coping responses. It also includes cultural influences on personal and family responses, chronic pain, physiological manifestations of psychopathology, treatment of persons after sexual abuse, self psychological health, and application of these principles to physical therapy practice (Dell Orto & Power, 2007) . To access proper understanding of the principalities and elemental knowledge of this course, it is imperative to undertake reflection of the modules learned in individual classes and the importance of each undertaking in the course. This process is primarily essential in depicting not only proper understanding of the subject material but also the effectuality of internationalization of the content read and assessed by the student. 

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Objectives of the Course 

Before undertaking the course, it was imperative to understand the primary goals that were to be achieved to develop focus and attention on the same. Firstly, it aimed to understand the knowledge of clinical issues related to health psychology within different ranges of illnesses. Secondly, the module to enlighten on the theoretical models currently being explored on the establishing research findings that govern this clinical practice. The students were expected to elaborate their knowledge on the physiological and medical understanding of the aspects related to symptom presentation within this area of study. Importantly, there was the need for knowledge on conducting mental status. Following the completion of the course; it is evidently clear that the primary objective was met. As a student, I was able to understand the application of the theoretical models that are currently in use in comprehending the psychology of illness and disability as well as the underlying and intricate aspects of this subject. Secondly, in developing comprehension of these models, it was easier to observe their overall effectuality within the clinical practice and their effect on patients experiencing illness and disability. 

Perspectives on Disability and Illness 

In this section, a student can understand disability as an issue affecting the overall human condition and the changing of perspectives from history to the current day setting (Ireland & Pakenham, 2010) . The first understanding developed is all people experience disability at any given point is life depending on their mental or physical health as well as age. Age is considered as a determinant factor as it mainly affects the effectuality in functioning (Dunn, 2014) . This is also applicability for mental disabilities which are predominantly rampant in geriatric populations. Some of the issues experienced based on historical perceptive on disability was discrimination and stigma. Patients suffering mental disabilities such as schizophrenia were stigmatized profusely. Based on such viewpoints which promoted stigma and segregation, the perspectives and responses directed towards disability and illness have changed dramatically in the modern day setting. This shift has been spearheaded by the organizations of people suffering from chronic conditions and disabilities as well as it becoming a human rights issue (Dunn, 2014) . This is evident based on the changes observed in handling this population. In the past, they were provided with different solutions in segregation and confinement such as special schools and residential institutions. However, in the modern day setting, these perceptions of discrimination have changed significantly with the inclusion within educational systems and the community. 

The driving perceptive is that the population suffering from illness and disabilities should be provided with medically related and focused solutions which are more interactive allowing for them to experience life normally. Organizations have also been fully involved in ensuring that patients with chronic disabilities and diseases are protected through the provision of long-term interventions as well as the promotion of multi-sectoral involvement (Dell Orto & Power, 2007) . Lack of knowledge has also directly affected the type of perspectives held by communities within the rural area. Therefore, based on this, there has been strategies such as community-based rehabilitation (CBR) that have allowed for organizations to address negative attitudes promoting more understanding and visibility in handling this matter. Such programs have molded the manner in which people with illnesses and disabilities are perceived and has developed acceptance which has contributed to their overall contribution in community forums. 

Frameworks and Models of Disability 

In this section, the primary objective is establishing understanding on the models of disability as mechanisms employed in defining the issues of disability and providing the government the basis of developing effective strategies that are imperative addressing the need of this particular population. The primary philosophies that govern the establishment of these models are the dependability of disabled people in the society and communities at large (Falvo, 2005) . This is commonly associated with discrimination, paternalism, and segregation. The second philosophy is based on the elements offered by the society to the disabled population which is often observed as the customer on the receiving end. Features associated with this understanding include the equity of human rights, empowerment, choice, and integration. The main importance of these models is that they offer reliable insight on the attitudes, prejudices, and conceptions of people towards the disabled and how the latter is affected by these notions (Marini & Stebnicki, 2012) . Therefore, basing on this, it is evident that they are influential in revealing the manner in which the society operates in addressing the issue of disability regarding goods and services provision as well as political power and economic influence imparted by this population. Models which were intricately discussed include the; 

social model 

empowering/customer model 

charity/tragedy model 

professional model 

rights based model 

medical model 

moral/religious model 

rehabilitation model 

economic model 

Personal Impact of Disability and Illness 

This section explores the personal effect of illness and disability on an individual from a holistic viewpoint. The stages of readjustment on a personal level are discussed intricately. They include shock, denial, depression/anger as well as acceptance and adjustment. Concerning disability and its impact on wellbeing, there is a brief elaboration on the debates which are applied in the discussion focusing on the divergence of the third and first person evaluations (Marini & Stebnicki, 2012) . The understanding established in this section is that people suffering from disabilities can attain the same levels of well-being as compared to their healthy and normal counterparts (Marini & Stebnicki, 2012) . This has been validated by disability scholars who opine their views on individual metrics which indicate the same. Though this observation has been doubted by several laypeople and philosophers, there is reliability established on studies researching on this principle. 

Disability and Embodiment 

According to research, embodiment focuses on the mode of thinking which is considered as a bodily experience that is inclusive of suffering, pleasures, pain, sensual and sensorial arrangements as well as capabilities, vulnerabilities and constraints which might be experienced in particular places and times. This principle is also concerned with the mistreatment experienced by a disabled individual from historical context. This study is focused on elaborating on the methods which were applied categorically classifying bodies as normal and others as deviant or different (Ireland & Pakenham, 2010) . Some of the aspects which are discussed to a great extent include institutionalization, medicalization, segregation, rehabilitation, genocide and sterilization which were employed in achieving deviance and normality. Through the understanding of these concepts, the element of embodiment and disability is properly aligned and its importance in shifting the paradigm which encourages forces such as medicalization and institutionalization is elucidated (Dunn, 2014) . From this unit, it is evident that the disabled embodiment often generated and underwent in the albeit context which empowers the medical models which symbolize impairment as well as charitable gazes rather than an acknowledgment of the disabled identity recognition. 

Disability, Illness, and Sexuality 

Sexuality is significantly affected by sexuality and disability primarily because of aspects such as associated pain (Falvo, 2005) . This is despite the fact that the need for sexual intimacy tends to remain consistent. Assumptions are often made in this regards with the society often viewing people suffering from chronic illnesses and disability as being uninterested in sexual relations, unable to engage in sex as well as becoming undesirable. Historically, these perceptions were considered robust and valid; however, in the modern day setting, sexuality has been a topic which has been discussed to high levels by the members of the disabled community (Ireland & Pakenham, 2010) . This unit's primary objective is creating an understanding of the factors and consideration points where relating sexuality to illness and disability. The first consideration is the primary causative factors of sexual dysfunction within this population. Some of the conditions enlisted include psychogenic, musculoskeletal, vascular, endocrine, and neurological disorders (Dell Orto & Power, 2007) . Secondly, it is important to understand the difficulties that are often experienced by this population regarding sexual responses. The disabling conditions often affect facets such as excitation orgasm, resolution and plateau periods which are the primary stages of this form of responses. Within this section, self-image was also discussed explicitly and the manner in which it affects sexuality of a disabled or chronically ill individual (Dunn, 2014) . Within the intersection of disability and sexuality, the main fear due to rejection. This is observed many people within the population tend to maintain platonic relationships based on their hypersensitivity which is promoted by a poor self-image and the fear of rejection. 

Emotional Dimensions of Illness and Disability 

In this section, the student is expected to understand the psychological effects that disability and illness have on a patient. It goes deeper in developing comprehension on the emotional dimension that is involved in conditions that might be considered mental or chronic and the manner in which the medical care department addresses this concern. Based on the research that has been conducted, it is observed that despite the advance made in health care delivery and medical services, there is a real reduction in mortality and improvement of extended life expectancy (Dell Orto & Power, 2007) . However, it begs to differ with the quality of life individuals are often subjected to particularly when suffering from chronic and terminal illness. It is important to note there is gross overlook in addressing the emotional dimensions involved in such conditions this module focuses on elaborating the actual impact that diseases and disability have on patients which can be familiarized to clinicians (Falvo, 2005) . The first understanding elucidated in this unit is that patients who have a disability often go through an adjustment period which affects their employment, lifestyle, and aspirations. Distress is a common factor noted alongside the development of psychotic disorders which arise from this change (Marini & Stebnicki, 2012) . It is also important to note that depression is often diagnosed as an emotional consequence of illness. Diagnosis is particularly challenging though it is casually aided through the physical manifestation of these conditions inclusive of impaired appetite, disturbed sleep and lethargy (Ireland & Pakenham, 2010) . The primary effect of emotional instability is the reduction of motivation to cope with the condition and accessing treatment plans and following with the routine checkups. 

The indirect effect of such emotional instability experienced by the patient is usually imparted on the family relationship which experience corrosion particularly when the patient resorts to more permanent resolutions such as suicide due to their disability or illness (Falvo, 2005) . Through learning in this particular unit, essential information on the superimposition of mental conditions on the chronic disease was also understood with emotionally related conditions such as depression playing a significant role in influencing the onset of this condition (Marini & Stebnicki, 2012) . In discussing on emotional dysfunction, it is crucial to understand the physical symptoms which are associated with its manifestation. The importance of this section is that it allows detection of any emotional effect on the individuals during the medical treatment duration (Dunn, 2014) . This is important as early detection allows for interventions to be implemented to ensure that the patient can maintain positive emotional health imperative in coping with disability and chronic illness. 

Conclusion  

The essential perspectives which have been talked about finally incorporate the reactions an individual demonstrates towards their bolster arrange, family, the anxiety related to the inability and sickness. Also, the course encourages on digs into the active adapting reactions recorded amid the procedure, the setup systems that have been seen to advance these responses and solid practices. Moreover, themes that are additionally complicated on identifying with the subject incorporate the treatment of sexually manhandled people, the indications of psychopathological discomforts, utilization of territories of exercise based recuperation rehearse and the way in which family and individual reactions are influenced by their separate societies. 

Audit of psychosocial parts of sickness and disability include incorporating opinions of the individual, family, and bolstering the system to the develop concern of ailment and incapacity. It also involves procedures to advance sound practices and constructive adapting reactions, social impacts on individual and family responses, constant pain, physiological appearances of psychopathology, treatment of people after sexual manhandle, self-mental wellbeing, and utilization of these standards to non-intrusive treatment rehearse. With a specific end goal to get to appropriate comprehension of the territories and essential information of this course, it is basic to attempt an impression of the modules learned in individual classes and the significance of every endeavor in the course. 

References  

Dell Orto, A. & Power, P. (2007). The psychological & social impact of illness and disability (1st ed.). New York: Springer Pub. Co. 

Dunn, D. (2014). The social psychology of disability (1st ed.). 

Falvo, D. (2005). Medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and disability (1st ed.). Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. 

Ireland, M. & Pakenham, K. (2010). Youth adjustment to parental illness or disability: The role of illness characteristics, caregiving, and attachment. Psychology, Health & Medicine , 15 (6), 632-645. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2010.498891 

Marini, I. & Stebnicki, M. (2012). The Psychological and Social Impact of Illness and Disability (1st ed.). New York: Springer Pub. Co. 

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