Life history model of adaptation to disability: the case of a 'congenital amputee'.
Life histories can be used to describe adaptation over time to disabling conditions and the context and meaning of disabilities. Data from the life history of Diane DeVries, a 33-year old woman born with quadralateral limb deficiencies (upper extremity hemimelia, lower extremity amelia) illustrate a model for eliciting, presenting and interpreting life histories of persons with disabilities. Substantively, the life history of Diane DeVries indicates, at this time, survival within a niche of institutional supports that include marriage, church membership, and government for the disabled. Her life history is also characterized by choices that support independent living in the community and a cognitive orientation toward her own cultural normality.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004480:Ectromelia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008019:Life Style; D011788:Quality of Life