Sensitization of General Public for Emotional and Psycho-social

Adjustment of PWDsBy

Professor Dr. Muhammad Mahmood Hussain AwanDean Faculty of Education

AL-KHAIR UNIVERSITY

Sensitization of General Public Emotional and Psycho-social Adjustment of

PWDs Characteristics of People who are

Emotionally & Socially Healthy Types of adjustment problems Common emotional reactions to disability Adjusting Strategies

Contents

To increase recognition and awareness of the role General Public & Carers play in providing daily care and support to people with disability.

Sensitization of General Public

Relates to emotional & psychological development in, and interaction with,

a social environment.

Psycho: refers to the mind and soul of a person. This involves internal aspects such as feelings, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and values.

Social : refers to a person’s external relationships and environment. This includes interactions with others, social attitudes, and values (culture)

and social influences of family, peers, school, and community.

Psychosocial support: addresses the ongoing emotional, social, andspiritual concerns and needs of people living with disability, their partners,and their caregivers.

Emotional and Psycho-social Adjustment of PWDs

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Characteristics of People who are Emotionally & Socially Healthy

A sense of satisfaction & pleasure for respecting norms. A zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun. The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from

adversity. A sense of meaning and purpose, in both their activities

and their relationships. The flexibility to learn new things and adapt to change. A balance between work and play, rest and activity, etc. The ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships. Self-confidence and high self-esteem.

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Types of adjustment problems

Physical – being unable to cope with functional aspects of disability, loss of control of basic physical functions, pain, health changes

Social – difficulty with losing activities that give sense of pleasure & identity & achievement, finding new ones & coping with changed relationships with family, friends & sexual partners, loneliness & isolation

Occupational – difficulty revising educational & career plans or finding new job Emotional – high levels of denial, anxiety, grief, depression, aggression against

staff Motivational – failure to comply with therapist- & self-management, loss of

initiative Self-concept – inability to accept changed body image, self-esteem, levels of competence Existential/spiritual – Without sense of meaning & purpose disability can be an unbearable burden. When usual sources threatened or diminished “Why go on?” questions arise

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Common emotional reactions to disability

Confusion, denial & disbelief Anxiety, fear of losing control Panic Inadequacy & humiliation Anger & frustration, resentment Sadness & crying Guilt Helplessness, hopelessness

& despair Disorganisation Fatigue & lethargy Loss of interests Withdrawal Loneliness, isolation & abandonment

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Adjusting Strategies

The Person, well – handled, nurtured, and loved, develops trust and security and a basic optimism.

Give correct information about their disability, its prognosis & treatment. Can prevent or reduce significant anxiety, give direction & hope

Distancing – try to detach from stress

Positive focus – try to see the positives in their situation/find meaning e.g. personal growth

Seek out social support – have skills, access & receive encouragement to do so,

connecting with family, friends, organisations can result in people living longer, adjusting more

positively, improving health habits & use health services appropriately

Problem-solving focus on aspects of illness amenable to change .....but use emotion-focused

coping techniques (e.g. calming strategies) for aspects that can’t be controlled

Use flexible coping strategies – “try to change the things I can & accept the things I can’t”

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Adjusting Strategies

Open to ‘self-management’ view of illness that complements efforts of doctors, therapists, & carers

Determine appropriate setting of care Involve family & friends where possible Regular observation of the person is important Active listening by staff Encourage expression of feelings & active coping Help with maintenance of health Encourage person to talk Social support Psychiatric consultation if necessary Ensure immediate safety

Role Modeling Dissemination of success stories Arranging seminars, symposium, workshops Promoting volunteer and Counseling services Making part of content or curriculum/Public education Religious & literary competitions Recreational events and leisure time activities Formation of positive image of PWDs Promoting accessible physical environment Creating a system of social support in the employment of people

with disabilities Improving coordination and trust. Joint Ventures for employment Advocacy through Media

Strategies for Sensitizing of Public Participation

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