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Psychodynamic Disability

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Abstract
Physical disability causes not only physical, but also psychological and emotional issues in people. Some psychological effects include depression, isolation, fear, anger, and a sense of loss after a debilitating injury. These reactions are caused by the dramatic changes in their lives, both socially and functionally. In order to gain back the most physical function possible, a patient must first address and cope with the psychological aspects of the disability. If a patient does not overcome each psychological stage that accompanies the disability, it is unlikely that they will gain the same level of function nor be as emotionally content with their life if they had done so.

A debilitating injury causes not only a lack of traditional …show more content…

The first was formed from the theories of loss and grief, while the second is based on the psychological theory of stress. The “stage model” was the first model used in the field of athletic rehabilitation and is linked with the theories of loss and grief, meaning the patient feels as if they have lost an important part of their life through the injury. (Tatsumi, 2014) The ideal psychological condition for full recovery is one in which the injured knows of the difficulties, but controls their emotions in order to determine what is necessary for recovery. (Tatsumi, 1998) According to Britton W Brewer, the stage model was lacking in predictive value, and he proposed a cognitive appraisal model as a replacement. The cognitive appraisal model was formed from the “theory of cognitive appraisal for stress and coping”, the work of Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman. In this model, the injured person’s assessment of the injury determines their emotional reaction along with their behavioral reaction, meaning how well they will respond to rehabilitation efforts. This model is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, and was designed to change the athletes’ negative views about their injuries as well as educate and encourage them about their options in recovery. It became a common method of speeding up the process of rehabilitation among athletes. (Tatsumi 2014) The stages of this model include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, and can occur in any order. It is crucial that they occur, and the lack of these emotions can be a sign of a potential problem. (Petitpas, 1995) Combined with grief therapy, the stage model) elicits grief to promote acceptance and true mental recovery. In a sense, the stage model was very effective. However, the model which states that injured athletes must overcome the grief stage in order to make

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