6 - diversity and justice

• What is critical disability theory and what is its perspective?

  Critical disability theory is a theory that analyses disability as a cultural, historical, social and political phenomenon. It challenges "ableism" and focuses on improving societal conditions related to disability (e.g. removing barriers).

  It argues that the use of the term "disabled person" explicitly focuses on disability as an important, identity-building, positive aspect and demands that psychologists should acquire cultural competencies before working with disabled clients.
• Microaggressions (ableism) are equally common in communities of disabled people who belong to sexual minorities or who suffer from multiple sclerosis.
• Relatives of people with disabilities who don't report explicit biases against disabled people still show implicit biases (IAT).
• On analysis of workplace discrimination claims we can see...

  1. Physically disabled people sue most often overall.
  2. Behaviourally disabled people sued most often against dismissal.
  3. People with sensory disabilities sued most often due to lack of employment or promotion.
• Experiencing discrimination or group discrimination can reduce self-esteem.
• Why should we consider non-disabled privilege in psychological research?

  Attributes that contribute to such privilege also result in many experiences and perspectives that can shape people's research and questions. Being transparent about this privilege can contextualise the research.
• What is a socio-medical assessment?

  It is part of the rehab discharge report, a therapeutic document created by doctors that records patient capabilities, including psychological factors and comorbidities and potential responsibilities of psychologists.
• What is the definition of performance, as a socio-medical term?


  The maximum performance capacity of a person in terms of activity and participation under test, standard or ideal conditions. Based on the general labour market including expected development of illnesses within 6 months after rehabilitation.
• What is the definition of 'reduced earning capacity', as a socio-medical term?

  Restriction of paid work relevant to pension law; unable to work for at least 6 hours a day under normal conditions for the foreseeable future due to illness or disability.
• What is the definition of 'work disablement', as a socio-medical term?

  Due to illness, the insured person can no longer carry out their last job or can only do so at risk of aggravation of the illness.
• Define 'working capacity' as a socio-medical term.

  The physical and mental capacity that allows paid work to be carried out on a regular basis.
• Define 'performance capacity in working life' as a socio-medical term.

  Qualitative: positive and negative skill.

  Quantitative: The amount of time in which work activity can be performed.
• What is 'gradual reintegration' as a socio-medical concept?

  The plan to reintegrate pension-insured persons who are often unable to work, in consult with the employee, employer, attending physician, rehab facility physician, company physician and pension insurance - typically lasting 6 weeks to 6 months.
• What are some benefits for participation in working life?

  Benefits of maintaining/obtaining a job, such as professional adaptation, vocational preparation, further education and training and financial aid.
• What is the objective of the socio-medical diagnostic interview?

  To contribute to the socio-medical clarification of the facts
• What facts/history should the socio-medical diagnostic interview cover?

  • Medical history such as ICD-10 diagnosis and assessment of functional limitations
  • Treatment history
  • Socio-medical anamnesis for information gathering and consistency checks such as social history and work history with contextual factors and subjective impairment of activities and participation
• For the socio-medical diagnostic interview, what kind of context factors should one consider for social history?

  Family situation, housing, social situation (e.g. what extent of support is present, social stressors), persistent stress or critical life events, any risky behaviour, and social security status
• What kind of context factors should be considered for work history in the socio-medical diagnostic interview?

  Description of professional career, description of the current/last job, physical/psychological stress and conflicts, self-assessment of performance
• What does psychopathological findings in the socio-medical report consist of?

  1. Subjective self-description of the patient
  2. Objective clinical observation and description
• What are the psychopathological findings needed for?

  They can help the patient gain insight from their discharge report and allows for assessment of work performance limitations due to mental disorders.
• in the socio-medical assessment, there are 4 steps regarding functional diagnostics and 13 capability dimensions. What are the 4 steps?

  1. Psychopathological findings
  2. Ability impairments
  3. Current (possible) work requirements
  4. Reconciliation: Work requirements - capability requirements
• What are the 5 constituent parts of the socio-medical assessment?

  1. The socio-medical diagnostic interview
  2. Psychopathological findings
  3. Functional diagnostics
  4. Complaint validation and consistency check
  5. Discharge report
• What is the structure of the discharge report as a socio-medical report?

  • Socio-medical epicrisis (last job under social security law, workplace requirements)
  • Working capacity
  • Quantitative performance
  • Qualitative performance
  • Rehab aftercare (necessity/possibility of gradual reintegration)