Rehabilitation psychology

Rehabilitation Psychology, History and in Indian context, Goals, Scope of the filed, Disability, future developments, challenges and opportunities, services provided.

1. Sneha Sebastian 1 st MSc Psychology St. Mary’s College, Thrissur

2. WHAT IS REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY? American Psychological Association: Rehabilitation psychology is the study and application of psychological principles on behalf of persons who have disability due to injury or illness. Psychologists assess and treat cognitive, emotional, and functional difficulties and help people to overcome barriers to participate in life activities. Disability is the physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movement, senses or activities.

3. They help to improve, cope with, compensate for, and adjust to these conditions. Such impairments and chronic health conditions may include spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputations, burns, work - related injuries, chronic pain, cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disorders, developmental disorders, and other conditions.

4. GOAL OF REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY T o improving quality of life and mental and social functions. Fostering independence and opportunities to people with disabilities.

5. SCOPE OF THE FIELD Rehabilitation psychologists’ work in Hospitals and clinics Rehabilitation centers Community agencies Teach and conduct research at universities or colleges Private or government programs Development and management of rehabilitation programs Policy development Public education related to injury prevention and health promotion Advocacy for persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions etc

6. HISTORY OF REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY During 1800s specialized areas were developed in psychology. In the 1940s, surrounding the time of World War II, health professionals in developed specialized concepts and practices to optimize the application of their professions. Physicians developed concepts and practice in rehabilitation medicine Psychologists developed concepts and practice in rehabilitation psychology. Nurses developed concepts and practice in rehabilitation nursing. Early theorists and practitioners studied persons with physical and cognitive impairments, and conducted the early research on individual, interpersonal, and social reactions to persons’ appearance and functional capacity, as well as the social psychology of stereotyping and prejudice related to disability.

7. E stablished through development of disability rehabilitation. For many years, rehabilitation services were done in an unorganized manner through the institution of family. The changes in cultural and social practices brought with it changes in the treatment of persons with disabilities in society. Christian missionaries played a significant role in providing disability rehabilitation. They established special schools. Later NGOs started providing rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions. IN INDIAN CONTEXT

8. India enacted various laws for the benefit and development of persons with disabilities. Along with the fundamental rights, there are separate laws for persons with disabilities such as the RCI Act , PWD Act , National Trust Act , and the Mental Health Bill.  The formation of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) as a registered society in 1986. A statutory body in 1993 laid the foundation for training professionals in Rehabilitation Psychology. In 2000, the RCI Act 1992 was amended as Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of rights and Full Participation) Act .

9. The specialty of rehabilitation psychology addresses behavioural and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan who are affected by any injury or chronic condition that leads to disability, including issues such as: Emotional coping, mental and psychological status. Behaviour that promotes positive adaptation to disability. Minor adjustment issues as well as severe psychopathology. ISSUES AND PROBLEMS

10. Disability is the physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movement, senses or activities. Many persons experiencing disability do have satisfactory quality of life, and they may even find positive personal growth through the experience of disability. Disability is a normal part of the human experience, whether due to injury or illness, or because of normal aging. There are different types of disabilities Blindness Loco motor disability Intellectual disability Mental illness Speech and Specific learning disabilities Hearing impairment Autism spectrum disorder DISABILITY

11. Change the social environment that restricts participation and reduce negative stereotypes and prejudice. Need for additional research on how to effectively provide systemic interventions. Research on the assessment and treatment of caregivers is important. Research focused on shifting individuals’ emotional, cognitive, and behavioral emphasis from impaired sources of self - esteem to unimpaired sources. Future Developments, Challenges, Opportunities

12. Community - based transitional living programs and community teams are an important part of this research and development. Further development is also needed in ways to generate use - dependent cortical reorganization, and to develop cognitive orthoses that can best enhance daily functioning. Research about training practices and outcomes is needed.

13. Assessment Psychological counselling and therapies Wellness promotion Stress/conflict management Supportive measures for caregivers Education and consultation to involved community members, such as employers or teachers, and referrals to other specialists when needed. S ervices provided by Rehabilitation Psychologists

14. THANKYOU ♥