Rehabilitation potential in patients with chronic illness: the role of illness and health representations, resilience, and cognitive style

Abstract

Abstract. Rehabilitation potential in patients with chronic illnesses is shaped not only by medical and physiological factors but also by psychological and cognitive mechanisms that influence engagement with treatment and long-term recovery. This paper explores key psychological constructs that determine rehabilitation success, including internal representations of illness and health, resilience, resourcefulness, coping strategies, and cognitive style. The internal representation of illness affects patients’ emotional responses, treatment adherence, and perceived ability to regain function, while the internal representation of health serves as a motivational factor in rehabilitation engagement. Resilience and resourcefulness enable individuals to navigate the challenges of chronic illness, with research highlighting the importance of self-efficacy, social support, and structured interventions in fostering these adaptive traits. Coping strategies play a crucial role in rehabilitation trajectories, with problem-focused coping generally associated with better outcomes compared to emotion-focused coping, particularly avoidance and denial. Cognitive style further influences how patients process health-related information, make decisions, and engage with rehabilitation programs. Personalized interventions that align with an individual’s cognitive style can enhance treatment adherence and long-term recovery. This article underscores the necessity of integrating psychological and cognitive assessments into rehabilitation planning, advocating for a holistic, patient-centered approach that optimizes engagement and outcomes in chronic illness management.