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An individual’s injury treatment is influenced by emotional, behavioral, and situational factors. Some of the factors that have been found to impede the rehabilitation process include personality, self-efficacy, and social support. Patients often struggle psychologically, however, little is known about the physical therapist’s perceptions of patient’s psychological responses to rehabilitation. Moreover, this study aimed to identify behaviors of patients that cope successfully and unsuccessfully, psychosocial strategies physical therapists are currently using, psychosocial strategies physical therapists would like to become more educated on, and current referral systems to counseling. The Physiotherapist and Sport Psychology Questionnaire, an online, mixed-methods survey, was sent out to all 50 physical therapy state associations with a request that they make it available to their members. Four organizations agreed to distribute the survey and 95 (77 females, 18 males) physical therapists participated in the study. Stress/anxiety, depression, and pain management problems were the most commonly perceived psychological conditions presented by patients. Exercise variety, short-term goal setting, and encouraging positive self-thoughts were used most in assisting patients in their recovery. Physical therapists indicated being most interested in learning more about how to use effective communication, understanding individual motivation, and enhancing self-confidence. Lastly, 65 physical therapists had referred their patients to counseling services. However, only 8 had identified having a standard procedure for counseling referrals. These results indicate that physical therapists recognize the importance of the psychological component of rehabilitation and apply psychosocial strategies during patient recovery. However, few are doing it in a systematic way, in part due to a lack of formal education and training.
Advisor: | Ross-Stewart, Lindsay |
Commitee: | Guilford, Brianne, Webb, Benjamin |
School: | Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville |
Department: | Kinesiology and Health Education |
School Location: | United States -- Illinois |
Source: | MAI 56/06M(E), Masters Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Physical therapy, Kinesiology, Psychology |
Keywords: | |
Publication Number: | 10288147 |
ISBN: | 978-0-355-16603-3 |