Denial of Chronic Illness and Disability: Part II. Research Findings, Measurement Considerations, and Clinical Aspects

Abstract

The concept of denial has been an integral part of the psychological and disability studies bodies of literature for over 100 years.Yet, denial is a highly elusive concept and has been associated with mixed, indeed conflicting theoretical perspectives, clinical strategies, and empirical findings. In part II the author reviews empirical findings, measurement strategies, and clinical approaches associated with denial, with particular emphasis on rehabilitation-specific findings and implications. It focuses on empirical findings linking the use of denial to a number of psychosocial outcomes, measures that have been employed in the assessment of denial and, intervention strategies to manage denial. Part II concludes with a brief discussion of the implications generated by the current understanding of denial to rehabilitation practitioners and researchers.