This study examined the willingness of persons without disabilities (PWODs) to engage in personal relationships with persons with disabilities (PWDs). Participants ( N = 305) were primarily female Hispanic students (91%) preparing for careers in the helping professions. The Relationships and Disability Survey assessed the effect of the category and severity of disability on the type of relationships students were willing to have with PWDs. Students also ranked personal attributes of PWDs that might affect their willingness to engage in relationships. Results indicated that students were significantly more willing to have friendships and acquaintanceships with persons with mild to moderate disabilities and persons with sensory, health, and physical impairments. Students were least willing to marry or have a partnership with a PWD, especially if the PWD had cognitive and psychiatric impairments. Personal attributes of intelligence, kindness, and humor were rated most highly.

Ninety-five persons receiving treatment for chronic pain were surveyed using the Spirituality and Chronic Pain Survey (SCPS). The survey included a pain assessment, a spiritual/religious practices assessment, and questions related to spiritual/religious beliefs and attitudes. Most participants reported experiencing constant, higher-level pain. The most frequent responses to pain were taking medication (89%) and praying (61%). Results indicated the majority of respondents perceived God or a Spiritual Power as helping them cope with pain and as a source of happiness, connection, and meaning in life. A factor analysis on attitude items of the SCPS identified 4 factors that accounted for 60% of the variance: (a) Spiritual Connection and Meaning, (b) Spiritual Increase and Hopefulness, (c) Spiritual Decrease and Punishment, and (d) Spiritual Power. Results suggest the relevance and utility of spirituality assessment for persons who live with chronic pain. Implications for practice, education, and future research are discussed.

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This study used photography as a therapeutic tool and a present-focused approach in a 12-week group intervention to treat adults with chemical dependence enrolled in an outpatient treatment program. A qualitative analysis identified themes related to the topics of trust, honesty, self-worth, power, and abuse. Self-esteem, abuse, and trauma-related symptoms were also assessed using the Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory (MSEI), the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI), and an abuse questionnaire. Pre- and posttests on the MSEI showed increases in self-esteem for all but one participant. The majority of participants also reported trauma-related symptoms, and all participants reported past abuse victimization.

A total of 157 persons with spinal cord injury completed the Spirituality and Spinal Cord Injury Survey in relation to their spiritual and/or religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices in terms of adapting to their disability. Factor analysis accounting for 69% of the variance revealed four factors related to Spiritual Help and Improvement (36%), Spiritual Decline (22%), Punishment/Atonement (6%), and Body/Mind Improvements (5%). Participants were further classified by time since injury, which statistically indicated that some individuals tend to become more focused on religious or spiritual practices and beliefs regarding cure soon after injury; however, these behaviors and beliefs tend to dissipate over time. The majority of participants expressed overall satisfaction with God or a Spiritual Power (G/SP) and that G/SP helped them cope, gave them meaning, and was a source of happiness in their lives. Implications for rehabilitation counselors and educators are discussed.

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