Transcending Chronic Illness and Disability: Virtue-Based Adaptation Model Perspective

The present study examined the replicability of Virtue-Based Adaptation Model (V-PAM). Traditional adaptation studies in the field of rehabilitation often focus on examining innate psychological disposition such as personality. In V-PAM; however, the emphasis is given to virtue, one's pursuit of excellence and commitment after the onset of illness and disability. From this perspective, adaptation to illness and disability is viewed as a positive by-product of having endured adversities while transforming them into insightful opportunities for renewal. Thus, adaptation is not only affected by innate dispositions, but also it can be nurtured via the collaborative counseling process. Two hundred eight adults with illness and disability participated in this study to replicate the original V-PAM study. The results revealed that the main effect of virtue model in differentiating the individual's level of adaptation is replicable. Implications of these findings for clinical work and virtue-based research are discussed.