Adjustment to severe disability: Constructing and examining a cognitive and occupational performance model

Ninety adults with severe physical disabilities were tested with respect to their adjustment to severe disabilities in their adapted computerized work environment 1 year following occupational therapy consultation. The research goal was to examine a model that incorporates variables from the cognitive coping model (self-esteem, appraisal and social support) and variables from the occupational performance model (engagement in activities, involvement in work/study, time of typing performance and environmental adaptations). Findings showed goodness of fit between the observed and the proposed research models, although few changes in positions and relations were found. Self-esteem and time of performance were found to be core variables connecting cognitive and functional variables. Age and activities of daily living were the only background variables that contributed to the model. Research and rehabilitation clinical implications are discussed.