Rehabilitation psychology focuses on applying psychological principles to assist individuals with disabilities due to injury or illness, aiming to improve their quality of life and foster independence. Psychologists in this field work across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community agencies, and their practice encompasses emotional coping, behavioral adaptation, and research on disability-related challenges. The document also discusses the historical development of rehabilitation psychology, legislative frameworks in India, and the need for ongoing research and community-based support systems.

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

2. WHAT IS REHABILITATION
PSYCHOLOGY?
• American PsychologicalAssociation:Rehabilitation psychology
isthe studyand application of psychological principles on
behalf of persons who have disabilitydue 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 isthe 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
• To 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.  Established 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 I N D I A N C O N T E X T

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. • Disabilityisthe physicalor 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
 Psychologicalcounselling 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.
Services provided by Rehabilitation Psychologists

14. T H A N K Y O U ♥