Showing papers on "Physical disability published in 1995"

Contact Theory and Attitudes of Children in Physical Education Programs Toward Peers with Disabilities

Abstract: Contact theory was examined by comparing total and subscale attitude scores of children toward peers with disabilities (physical, learning, behavioral) in integrated (contact) and segregated (noncontact) physical education settings. Subjects were 455 children ages 9 to 12 years; class size was 40 to 45. Data were collected using the Peer Attitudes Toward the Handicapped Scale (PATHS). ANOVA on total attitude scores indicated gender differences, with girls having more positive attitudes, but no difference between settings. MANOVA on subscale attitude scores revealed gender differences, favoring girls, only on the physical disability subscale. Setting significantly affected attitudes toward physical and behavioral disabilities but not learning disabilities. Children in the integrated setting had significantly more positive attitudes toward peers with behavioral disabilities than those in the segregated setting, but the reverse was true toward peers with physical disabilities. Contact theory was supported by...

Reconsidering the Stigma of Physical Disability: Wheelchair Use and Public Kindness

Abstract: This article reexamines the stigma of physical disability using the empirical example of wheelchair users' treatment in public places. It draws upon conversational interviews with wheelchair users,...

Hirschi's Social Control Theory: A Sociological Perspective on Drug Abuse among Persons with Disabilities

Abstract: The rehabilitation literature is replete with studies which suggest a high incidence of substance abuse among persons with disabilities. For example, Stude (1990) estimated that the rate of drug abuse among rehabilitation clients may be as high as 40%. Further evidence exist which suggests that persons with disabilities are twice as likely as the general population to abuse substances (News in Mental Health Nursing, 1993). In response to the reports of prevalence, several authors have emphasized the need to develop services to treat persons with disabilities who abuse drugs (Frieden, 1990; Perez & Pilsecker, 1989). Despite the importance of estimating prevalence and establishing treatment modalities, greater understanding of the psychological and sociological factors which motivate persons with disabilities to abuse substances is needed. Few studies have offered explanations for the conditions which lead to the abuse of substances among persons with disabilities. Alston (1992) explained how Beatrice Wright's (1983) suppositions on psychosocial adjustment to physical disability can be used to illuminate the issues involved in adaptation to drugs for persons with disabilities. Johnson, Gray, and Ososkie (1991) explored sexual dysfunction as a correlate of drug abuse among rehabilitation clients. Moore and Polsgrove (1989) explored how disenfranchisement, inadequate self-control, and sensation-seeking can serve as risk factors of substance abuse for persons with disabilities. The aforementioned studies were primarily psychological in nature. There is a dearth of information concerning the sociological factors which may influence substance abuse among persons with disabilities. It is important that we consider the social conditions of persons with disabilities who choose to abuse drugs. Hirschi (1969) developed a theoretical approach called "social control" which can be used to illuminate the sociology of addiction for persons with disabilities. Social control theory focuses on the sociological forces that can prevent people from participating in deviant behavior. Deviance can be defined as beliefs, values, and/or behaviors which are inconsistent with acceptable social norms and presents harmful consequences for the individual and/or the public (Hirschi, 1969, 1977). Given the legal decrees against illicit substances, societal contempt and legal penalties for abuse of approved substances, and the inclusion of substance-related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), it is safe to state that society regards drug abuse as a form of deviance. Several authors have explored the significance of Hirschi's (1969, 1977) theory for interpreting deviance among nondisabled persons (Agnew, 1991; Empey and Stafford, 1991; Jensen and Rojek, 1992; Junger-Tas, 1992). However, there is an absence of literature which explains how the theory can be applied to understanding addiction among persons with disabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine the meaning of Hirschi's theoretical concepts for persons with disabilities who are abusing substances. First, the elements of social control identified by Hirschi will be described. Second, a discussion of how the weakening of these elements can lead to alcohol and drug deviance among persons with disabilities will be offered. Lastly, specific implications for rehabilitation counseling practice and research will be provided. Social Control Theory Intrinsic to Hirschi's (1969, 1977) theory of social control is the assumption that persons will engage in delinquent behavior when their "social bond" to society is weakened. Hirschi's concept of "social bond" is comprised of the following four elements: (1) attachment, (2) commitment, (3) involvement, and (4) beliefs. Attachment refers to the symbiotic linkage between a person and society. According to Hirschi, individuals with strong and stable attachments to others within society are presumed to be less likely to violate societal norms. …

Social Support and Leisure Activities Following Sever Physical Disability: Testing the Mediating Effects of Depression

Abstract: We tested for mediating effects of depression on the association between social support and leisure activities among men with severe physical disabilities. Measures of social support, depression, and leisure activities were administered to men receiving services at a spinal-cord-injury unit in a Veteran's Administration Medical Center. Path analysis revealed depression and attachment support to be directly predictive of leisure activities; however, support that reassured the worth of the individual was related to leisure activities only when depression was taken into account. Separate analyses revealed that the hypothesized moderating effects of time since injury were nonsignificant. Results are discussed in light of contemporary notions of social support, depression, and leisure activities among persons with chronic medical conditions.

Perceived Role Restriction and Adjustment of Mothers of Children with Chronic Physical Disability

Abstract: Examined the relationship between maternal perceived role restriction, the extent to which a mother feels unable to pursue her own interests due to responsibilities with raising a child with a chronic physical condition, and psychosocial adjustment in 50 mothers with children 6-11 years old who had a chronic physical disability. Perceived role restriction accounted for a significant increment in the variation in adjustment beyond that contributed by objective indices of the child's disability. Neither these objective parameters of the child's disability nor his or her level of problem behaviors predicted perceptions of role restriction. However, perception of social support did. The potential role of intrapersonal processes was discussed as a neglected component of a multidimensional model of adjustment in mothers of children with a chronic physical condition.

The Effects of Gender and Type of Disability on the Attitudes of Children Toward Their Peers with Physical Disabilities

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of gender and type of physical disability on the attitudes of kindergarten, first, second, and third grade elementary school children toward participating in recreational activities with peers who have physical disabilities. Eighteen females and 15 males volunteered to participate. Subjects were presented stimulus drawings of a peer who either used a wheelchair, had an arm amputated, or did not possess a visible physical disability. Subjects then marked whether they felt "really happy," "did not care," or "really sad" about engaging in recreational activities with each peer on a five-item attitude questionnaire. ANOVA was conducted to determine if there were any significant effects for gender and condition, as well as to determine whether any significant interactions between gender and condition were present. Subjects were significantly (p < 0.05) more positive about going camping with an individual in a wheelchair then with a peer with an arm amputated or a peer without a physical disability. Males were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) more positive than females about attending a movie and going camping with a peer with a physical disability.

The impact of severe congenital heart disease on physical and psychosocial functioning in adolescents

Abstract: A study was made of 26 adolescents, aged from 13 to 18 years, with different types of severe congenital heart disease, assessing their somatic condition and its impact on mental health and psychosocial functioning. Physical capacity was reduced, more pronounced in girls than in boys, along with an increased rate of psychiatric problems. Associations were found between physical capacity and psychosocial functioning, and between psychosocial functioning and chronic family difficulties. On the other hand, half the patients studied achieved fair function, both physically and with regard to their mental health. The degree of reduced physical capacity is an important etiological factor for impaired mental health in patients with congenital heart disease. This knowledge should be taken into account when dealing with this group of patients. A good social network seems to be a protective factor. It will probably be rewarding to give patients and their families not only an optimal medical follow-up, but also psychological, practical and financial support to improve or create such a network.

Conservative podiatric medicine and disability in elderly people.

Abstract: A survey was conducted of 248 noninstitutionalized people aged 75 years and older, residing in a designated geographical area. The effect of dependency and physical disability on the receipt of conservative podiatric medicine was examined, and, in addition, the prevalence of medical and podiatric conditions was determined.

Assessment of Work-Related Injury Risk for Farmers and Ranchers with Physical Disabilities

Abstract: This article reports on a study to determine the risk of work-related injury as perceived by farmers and ranchers with physical disabilities and whether or not this population actually experiences different frequencies or types of work-related injuries when compared to their able-bodied counterparts. The study was also designed to explore strategies for promoting safe work practices and preventing secondary injuries* while completing farm-related work following a disability. A survey instrument was developed and administered to 1,954 farmers and ranchers whose names appear on the mailing list of Purdue University’s Breaking New Ground Resource Center and who are known to have severe physical disabilities. The population surveyed was not a random sample of all farmers and ranchers who have a physical disability but rather a census of the largest known population of farmers and ranchers who have reported to be actively involved in agricultural production with significant physical disabilities. Slightly over 41% of those responding to the survey reported spinal cord injury as their disability and 29.7% reported either an upper or lower limb amputation. Thirty-one percent were farming full time with another 37.1% farming part-time. Twenty-five percent of the respondents reported having had a farm-related injury they believed was the result of their physical disability. Most secondary injuries were livestock-related, primarily beef cattle, followed by falls. The survey found that the nature of work-related injuries of farmers with physical disabilities tended to mirror those occurring to able-bodied farm operators except for the higher incidence of bruising and pressure sores occurring among the population reporting spinal cord injury as their disability type. The survey found that 60.1% of the respondents believed they were at a greater risk of being injured on their farm or ranch because of their physical disability. Survey results also indicated a need for specially designed educational materials related to safe work practices and preventing secondary injuries while completing farm-related work following a disability.

Dementia and physical disability as competing risks for mortality in a community-based sample of the elderly Japanese.

Abstract: To examine whether an excess mortality due to dementia is independent of coexisting physical disability, a probability-sample of the non-institutionalized elderly (n = 3,308) living in Sendai City, Japan was followed between 1988 and 1991 Of those, 128 were diagnosed as dementia in 1988 by psychiatrists, using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised as a diagnostic standard Information on the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) was collected by self-report of the study subjects in 1988 baseline survey The survival status was investigated three years later The risks of dementia and co-existing ADL disability for mortality was examined by Cox proportional hazard models The results indicated that the relation between dementia and mortality was two-fold, depending upon the physical functions Dementia increased the risk for mortality among those without ADL disability, but it did not so among those with ADL disability, rather ADL function was a stronger predictor for mortality among the latter individuals Prevention and treatment of physical disability would be important for improving the survival of the demented people

Physical Disability in Older Runners: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Progression With Age

Abstract: BACKGROUND Concern exists that certain types of exercise, particularly vigorous activity, may increase physical disability among older individuals. We investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, physical disability in active older persons (runners), and examined factors influencing the progression of physical disability with age. METHODS Physical disability, measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, was assessed prospectively in 454 runners, age 50 or greater, over five to seven years by annual mailed questionnaires. Baseline sociodemographic, clinical, and life-style characteristics associated with the presence of any disability over the course of the study were determined and contrasted with those in 292 older non-runners who had been similarly followed. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-two runners (49%) reported some physical disability during the study. The presence of arthritis symptoms at baseline was the most important risk factor for physical disability; older age, greater body mass index, strenuous work-related physical activity, and the use of more medications were also associated with a greater likelihood of physical disability. Among the non-runners, 224 (77%) reported some physical disability, and the presence of arthritis symptoms was also the most important risk factor for physical disability in this group. Age-related changes in physical disability differed between those with and without arthritis symptoms in both the runner and non-runner groups. CONCLUSIONS The presence of arthritis symptoms was an important risk factor for physical disability among both older runners and non-runners, and also identified subgroups of individuals with different progressions of disability with age.

Adaptation to Pediatric Physical Disability within the Family System: A Conceptual Model for Counseling Families:

Abstract: Thefoundation offamily systems theory is that all members in afamily are affected by the actions and experiences of any one member As a member of a family, the child with a physical or medical disability has an effect on each of the other family members and on thefamily unit itself Pediatric physical disability is explored within the context offamily systems theory and the stress, coping, and grief processes within families. This article's primary aim is to present a conceptual framewvork and intervention strategy models that counselors can use when counseling families with a child who has a physical disability.

Unrecognized depression in the elderly: a nursing assessment challenge.

Abstract: Depression in the elderly has been widely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Geriatric depression has a unique presentation that differs from the hallmarks of depressive illness documented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The "masked" presentation of depression in the elderly contributes to problems with accurate assessment, prompt diagnosis, and treatment. Without treatment, there are serious negative consequences for elderly clients such as cognitive impairment, physical disability, social isolation, and suicide. Enhancing professional nurses' awareness of this underrecognized mental health problem among elderly patients is a significant priority.

Integration and Its Future: A case study of primary education and physical disability

Abstract: This article describes a case study of the integration into mainstream schooling in two LEAs of children of primary school age with physical disabilities. Levels of disability are compared with the location of the children in the school system and any special provision made for them. Quality of provision is also explored. Factors affecting the overall levels of integration in the LEAs and differences between them are examined and the wider implications of recent legislation for the future development of integration are discussed in the light of the findings of the study.

Service Provision to Black People: A Study of Occupational Therapy Staff in Physical Disability Teams within Social Services

Abstract: This research derived Its Impetus from the need to recognise that we live in a multiracial and multicultural society. Thus, the responses of caring agencies to individuals must be governed by the f...

Relationship of severity of physical disability to pain, functional status, and assistive device use of home- based elderly clients

Abstract: This study sought to determine the relationship of assistive device use, pain, and functional status to severity of physical disability among elderly persons with disabilities. A total of 194 community-based elderly persons were divided into seven groups based on degree of physical disability derived from their Sickness Impact Profile scores. Dependent measures included the functional independence measure (FIM) for activities of daily living (ADLs), the Jette Func tional Status Index-Modified for pain, and the Assistive Technology Used Survey for use of assistive devices. A Kruskall-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed for each dependent variable. The seven groups showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) in reported pain scores, in functional status as determined by performance on ADL tasks, and in use of assistive devices. The results indicate that the use of assistive devices by elderly persons living in the community is associated with an interaction of several variabl...

Peer support and advocacy — international comparisons and developments

Abstract: Peer support has been long established in areas of physical disability. People in wheelchairs, particularly those injured in accidents, assist people in similar situations recovering within the world famous spinal injuries unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), perhaps the largest self-help organization in the world, supports tens of thousands of alcoholics. No person may be a full member except as an alcoholic, believed by AA to be a lifelong condition (Bateson, 1973).

Use of physiotherapy services by elderly patients at a central hospital in Zimbabwe

Abstract: The health status of the elderly in a community may he reflected in their use of the available health services. The records of elderly patients who utilized physiotherapy services at a central hospital in Zimbabwe over a five-year period (1989-1993) were reviewed to determine the range of medical problems for which the patients had been treated through physiotherapy. It is argued that physiotherapy has a role to play in improving the quality of life of older Zimbabweans with physical disabilities. Further, a case is made out for physiotherapists to become involved in health-education programmes to prevent the occurrence of factors which contribute to the onset of physical disability in older persons.

Orthopedic Disability, Conformity, and Social Support

Abstract: The relation between physical disability, social support, and conformist behavior was tested in two studies. The first compared the conforming responses of persons who had orthopedic disabilities with those of able-bodied individuals and correlated perceived social support of those with the disability with their tendency to conform. The second was an experimental study in which university students made choices between actors who had disabilities and actors who were able bodied; orthopedic disability was signified by a person sitting in a wheelchair and social support by the choice of a teammate. Results showed that persons with disabilities (compared with those who were able bodied) reported a significantly higher tendency to conform and that this tendency was negatively related to reported levels of perceived social support. In the experimental study, conforming behaviors of both disabled and able-bodied actors elicited more social support than did assertive behaviors. The actors who had "disabilities" received less social support than those who were "able bodied," but the former were considered more original when they did not conform. The findings imply that individuals with orthopedic disabilities are expected to conform but, although their conforming behavior elicits social support within specific encounters, it does not affect overall social support across encounters.

Depression and physical disability : relationship of self-rated and observer-rated disability to depression

Abstract: The relationship between disability and depression was investigated in three groups of chronically ill and/or disabled patients with Parkinson's disease, right hemisphere stroke, or amputation. Both patients' (self) ratings and staff/family (other) ratings of disability were obtained. Self-reported disability and depression were significantly correlated for amputee and stroke groups. Self-reported disability ratings were better predictors of depression than were other ratings of disability. Depression and disability ratings were generally independent in the Parkinson group. Discrepancies between self-rated and other-rated disability suggested that patients who rated their disability as greater than staff/family ratings also were more depressed, and the converse. Self-perceptions ofextent ofdisability are related to the subjective experience of depression for certain disabled patients. Results also supported the presence of underrating ofdisability in the stroke group.

Chronic Physical Disability and Secondary Control: Appraisals of an Undesirable Situation

Abstract: "Secondary control" (accommodation to unchangeable, undesirable situations), rather than just "primary control" (choosing to leave or improve the situation) can help in adapting to a chronic physical disability. To identify instances of secondary control, semistructured interviews with 22 persons with chronic physical disabilities were conducted. This research examined the emotional valence of disability appraisals, and identified regularities in these appraisals. Results showed that the great majority of interviewees used secondary control in handling their disability, and that 95% of comments were non-negative in emotional tone. Regularities included mention that one learns much about the self and others, and comes to know more than able-bodied persons in some ways. It is concluded that secondary control processes are useful, and their training should be considered during cognitive therapy. Acquiring a chronic physical disability-whether by illness or injury-often reduces control over one's life. The onset of the disability is sometimes instant; at other times, it is gradual and insidious. Serious health problems impose a great burden on numerous facets of life. It is suggested that peoples' cognitive appraisals of the disability are related to their psychological health. This topic merits our attention because of the large number of people who experience a chronic physical disability. "Physical disability" is defined as a condition that impairs or substantially limits one or more major life activities (Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990). Chronic conditions are present in 14.3% of the population of the United States, or in more than one of seven people (Department of Health and Human Services, 1992, pp. 106-107). Chronic conditions occur in 22.2% of those between 45 to 65 years of age and in 37.9% of those over the age of 65. The disability experience erodes controllability in ways that go far beyond the obvious physical limitations and symptoms. For example, losing one's ability to walk can lead to restrictions in job opportunities and/or the availability of accessible housing. Thus, the physical limitations are not only problematic in and of themselves as they erode actual physical control, but they also can lead to additional psychosocial difficulties in ways that disrupt one's previous life and one's belief in one's control. The dominant subcultures of Western societies, as well as many studies of control, typically define control implicitly or explicitly as the perception that a given situation can possibly be changed (e.g., by buying an assistive device), avoided (e.g., fatigue can be avoided by purchasing the services of an aide or sometimes by ingesting a pill), and/or is subject to choice by the individual about their participation in the stressful situation. This form of control is called "primary control" by Rothbaum, Weisz, and Snyder (1982). It can be contrasted with "secondary control": the accommodation to a reality that cannot be changed given current medical capabilities. A decay of primary control often rouses efforts to restore control. Indeed, Rothbaum et al. (1982) asserted that control is so highly valued that its pursuit is rarely abandoned; instead, people shift from one form of control (primary) to another form (secondary). They regard secondary control as intrinsically rewarding. It should be noted that primary control is partially diminished in most cases of disability, but is rarely lost fully (e.g., a complete loss of primary control applies to the person who is in a coma). For example, primary control is present for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the choice of personal aides and in decisions to marry or divorce. There is often considerable overlap between primary and secondary control (e.g., obtaining a fairly sophisticated understanding of their illness, treated here as a secondary control technique, also may have a primary control function in evaluating the qualifications and procedures of potential health care providers)1. …

Multi-dimensional measurement of need and outcome in physical disability

Abstract: Collaboration between health and social services is important when assessing the needs of clients and evaluating outcomes resulting from planned interventions. This article looks at the reality of interprofessional collaboration in developing services for people with physical disabilities. It focuses on the use of formal measurement tools such as the Functional Limitations Profile and discusses the way in which such tools can be used. The possible mismatch between clients' own perception of need and that of professionals is highlighted. Furthermore, the use of qualitative research complements understanding, because it allows for contextual understanding of the FLP scores.

The need for appropriate assistive devices for persons with physical disability in a developing country

Abstract: (1995). The need for appropriate assistive devices for persons with physical disability in a developing country. World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin: Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 6-7.