Psychology in the service of the disabled, the ill and the dying

Editors

• Ami Rokach, York University

Description

This special issue addresses the psychological dimensions of disability, illness, and dying. Disability encompasses not only physical or cognitive impairments but also the social exclusion and discrimination that individuals experience. Illness creates significant psychological stress through pain, fatigue, and loss of control, with hospitalization triggering both immediate and lasting mental health effects. Dying represents an ultimate challenge that psychology must address through support for patients and their families.

The special issue welcomes empirical studies, reviews, theoretical manuscripts, and commentaries from psychologists across all specialties, healthcare professionals, and individuals who have experienced psychological support during illness or disability. Submissions should address how psychology can support individuals in navigating disability, managing illness-related stress, and confronting mortality with dignity.

Potential topics

• Adjusting to loss and navigating stigma among disabled individuals
• Developing disability pride and addressing mental health disparities
• Ableism and systematic discrimination against people with disabilities
• Psychological impacts of disability, including emotional, mental, and social effects
• Coping with illness as a major life stressor
• Short-term and long-term psychological consequences of hospitalization
• Perceived threat to life and uncontrollable nature of illness
• Death and dying as areas of psychological specialization
• Supporting families of the dying and preparing individuals for end-of-life
• Grief and bereavement support