Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

How is "impairment" characterized in the ICF?

1. A problem in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss

2. A measure of an individual's mental health status

3. An absence of activity or participation

4. Difficulty with environmental challenges

The correct answer is: A problem in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss

In the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), "impairment" is specifically characterized as a problem that arises in bodily functions or structures. This may manifest as a deviation from what is considered normal or as the loss of function in these areas. It emphasizes the biological or physiological aspect of health, focusing on the disturbances that occur within the body as a result of a health condition or disability. By clearly defining "impairment" this way, the ICF provides a framework for understanding how these changes can impact an individual’s overall functioning, which is central to the model's holistic approach to health and disability. The other options, while related to the overall concept of functioning and disability, do not encapsulate the definition of "impairment." The measure of mental health status pertains to specific psychological conditions rather than the broader definition of bodily functions and structures. An absence of activity or participation focuses on limitations in functioning, and difficulty with environmental challenges addresses external factors affecting participation, rather than impairment itself.