Related Experiment Videos
Adjustment to severe disability: constructing and examining a cognitive and occupational performance model.
Naomi Schreuer1, Arie Rimmerman, Dalia Sachs
1Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel. schreuer@research.haifa.ac.il
Summary
Occupational therapy consultation improved adjustment to severe disabilities in adapted work environments. Self-esteem and typing speed were key factors, highlighting cognitive and functional links for rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Occupational Therapy
- Psychology of Disability
Background:
- Severe physical disabilities present significant challenges to occupational engagement.
- Adapted computerized work environments aim to facilitate participation for individuals with disabilities.
- Understanding the factors influencing adjustment is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine a model of adjustment to severe disabilities in adapted computerized work environments.
- To integrate variables from the cognitive coping model and the occupational performance model.
- To identify core cognitive and functional variables influencing long-term adjustment post-occupational therapy.
Main Methods:
- Ninety adults with severe physical disabilities were assessed one year after occupational therapy consultation.
- A research model incorporating self-esteem, appraisal, social support, activity engagement, work involvement, typing performance, and environmental adaptations was tested.
- Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the goodness of fit for the proposed model.
Main Results:
- The proposed research model demonstrated a good fit with the observed data.
- Self-esteem and time of typing performance emerged as central variables, bridging cognitive and functional aspects.
- Age and activities of daily living were identified as significant background variables influencing the model.
Conclusions:
- The study validates a combined cognitive-functional model for understanding adjustment to severe disabilities in adapted work settings.
- Occupational therapy interventions can positively impact adjustment by addressing self-esteem and functional performance, such as typing speed.
- Findings have implications for tailoring rehabilitation strategies to enhance work environment adaptation and overall well-being for individuals with severe physical disabilities.