Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), disability is viewed as outcomes of interactions between what two factors?

1. Health conditions and contextual factors

2. Medical history and personal goals

3. Environmental factors and behavior

4. Social support and mental health

The correct answer is: Health conditions and contextual factors

The definition of disability in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) emphasizes that it arises from the interaction of health conditions with contextual factors. This perspective highlights that disability is not solely a result of a medical condition or impairment but is also significantly affected by environmental and social contexts, as well as personal factors like age, gender, and lifestyle. By considering both health conditions and contextual factors, the ICF framework captures the complexity of disability in a more holistic manner. It acknowledges that an individual's experience of disability can vary greatly depending on their surroundings and the support systems available to them. This interactionist model is essential for rehabilitation professionals as it informs effective interventions that go beyond medical treatment to include strategies addressing social and environmental barriers. In contrast, the other options present a more limited view. Medical history and personal goals, environmental factors and behavior, and social support and mental health do not encapsulate the full scope of how disability is understood in the ICF framework, which aims to account for the dynamic interplay between health and the factors that influence an individual’s functioning within society.