What is the term for the psychological state in which the health condition/disability is incorporated into an individual's self-concept?

The term that refers to the psychological state in which an individual incorporates their health condition or disability into their self-concept is acceptance. Acceptance involves recognizing the reality of the situation and integrating it into one's identity rather than viewing it purely as a loss or limitation.

In the context of rehabilitation counseling, acceptance is a crucial step in the adjustment process. It allows individuals to develop a positive self-image that includes their health condition, enabling them to pursue personal goals and engage fully with their environment. Acceptance can lead to emotional well-being and a higher quality of life, as individuals learn to adapt to their circumstances.

While concepts like recognition, understanding, and adjustment are related to how individuals deal with health conditions or disabilities, they do not specifically describe the incorporation of the condition into one’s self-concept in the same profound way that acceptance does. Recognition may involve acknowledging the existence of a disability, understanding entails comprehending the implications of that condition, and adjustment refers to the broader process of adapting to new realities and making changes in behavior or lifestyle. However, the specific incorporation into self-concept is fundamentally identified as acceptance.