Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been linked to numerous challenges that affect well-being due to its unpredictable nature and debilitating symptoms. The study seeks to evaluate the psychometric properties and factor structure of the PERMA-Profiler, a well-being assessment tool within the context of MS. A confirmatory factory analysis was performed to test structural validity. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a correlated five-factor, indicating that well-being encompasses multiple dimensions for individuals living with MS. Reliability analysis indicated high internal consistency for all factors except for engagement. Validity was supported through correlations with measures of disability-related stress and functional limitations. These findings suggested that the PERMA-Profiler is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used for assessing well-being among individuals living with MS. Overall, the PERMA-Profiler offers a promising avenue for understanding and promoting well-being in the MS population, with implications for tailored interventions and holistic care approaches.

The purpose of the study was to understand the support needed for facilitating positive college experiences, and how the identified supports may be related to personal factors (e.g., academic rank and employment status). Using Structured Topic Modeling (STM), this study explored helpful support services that students used or perceived as missing among a sample of 210 students with disabilities enrolled in U.S. California universities. Findings indicated eight most helpful support services (supportive climate, mental health counseling, mobility support, note-taking service, advocacy and communication, extended time for test and assignment, private room for test, and awareness of student needs) and six support services that students with disabilities found important but missing or insufficient (professor–s understanding, mental health counseling, learning support, career counseling, support system, and online support). The most prevalent needs for students with disabilities included a supportive campus climate, mental health counseling, and professor–s understanding. Unique needs for support services were revealed in relation to students– academic rank and employment status. This study provides practical implications for rehabilitation counselors, disability support programs in higher education, and student affairs practitioners to promote a positive college experience for students with disabilities.

This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the establishment and progression of a disability resource center (DRC) at a prominent U.S. university. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological approach, it focuses on the insights of the DRC’s director, assistant directors, and rehabilitation (ability) specialists. The phenomenological approach ensures an in-depth understanding of the DRC’s developmental nuances, challenges, and successes, providing valuable insights for enhancing development of a disability center in higher-education institutions. Data collection was completed with semi-structured interviews planned with the director, assistant directors, and six DRC ability specialists. A content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Findings cover themes such as the DRC’s mission, legal regulations, organizational structure of the DRC, service delivery model, and historical development and provide a deep understanding of how disability services are structured and delivered in higher education. The results are discussed in the light of the literature.

Depression and anxiety are common after stroke and can significantly impact a stroke survivor’s health outcomes. The aims of this Australian pilot study were to (a) screen stroke patients for depression and anxiety on admission to inpatient rehabilitation, (b) introduce short-term psychological intervention (four sessions) and access if distressed patients engaged and showed preliminary effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving quality of life, and (c) evaluate if symptoms remained stable after discharge from hospital. Mood screening of 115 patients admitted poststroke identified 29 with elevated symptoms, who subsequently received short-term (three to four sessions) cognitive behavior therapy. Mood screening was challenging on the wards with only 44% able to engage in the process. Before and after treatment showed a significant reduction in the scores for depression (7.7 to 5.0) and anxiety (9.5 to 5.5). These lower scores were sustained 1 month after discharge. Screening for depression and anxiety poststroke helps identify patients earlier in their rehabilitation journey but is challenging to implement and missed detection for many. This study found patients engaged in the therapeutic process with good outcomes, but cognitive and physical impairments must be considered when engaging stroke patients in psychology.

Pregnancy is a common occurrence for individuals with disabilities. However, people with disabilities have historically been kept from pregnancy and parenthood due to societal bias. There has been limited research in rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation psychology about the intersection of disability, pregnancy, and employment. The purpose of the study was to explore the breadth of extant rehabilitation counseling and psychology literature on pregnancy and disability with the scoping review methodology. Nine search terms were used to search eight rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation psychology journals from January 1973 to March 2023. A total of 237 articles were found that had one of the search terms, and out of those nine articles were assessed to be relevant for the discussion on disability and pregnancy. The results show a small, but long-standing call to promote a line of research to best support the independent living goals of pregnancy and parenthood for full community participation of people with chronic illness and disability.

Exploring the often-overlooked realm of rehabilitation counseling, a crucial yet discreet profession within the broader human services and counseling landscape, this research explores the perspectives of U.S. early career rehabilitation counselor educators. The study examines the historical roots and future trajectory of the rehabilitation counseling profession, aligning with larger efforts involving legacy leaders and mid-career professionals. Four central themes emerged from participant narratives: (a) Redefining Rehabilitation Counseling: Honoring Tradition, Fostering Empowerment, and Advancing Expertise, (b) Bridging Gaps: Unifying Rehabilitation Counseling for Progress, (c) Elevating Rehabilitation Counseling: Leadership, Advocacy, and Collaboration, and (d) Challenges and Vulnerabilities in the Rehabilitation Counseling Landscape. These themes provide a comprehensive roadmap for understanding transformative changes and opportunities within the profession. Despite challenges, the field of rehabilitation counseling remains grounded on a solid foundation. Opportunities to lead in diversity, equity, and inclusion; advocate for policy changes; and expand work settings are highlighted. Education, practice, and research are pivotal in shaping a more inclusive future, building on strengths, addressing weaknesses, confronting threats, and seizing opportunities.