Trauma Exposure and Psychosocial Adaptation: Serial-Parallel Mediation of Posttraumatic Beliefs and Disability Acceptance in Predicting Self-Stigma of Help-Seeking

Jaeyoung Kim; Elaine Mora; Minju Lee; Heerak Choi; Hung Kuo

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Trauma Exposure and Psychosocial Adaptation: Serial-Parallel Mediation of Posttraumatic Beliefs and Disability Acceptance in Predicting Self-Stigma of Help-Seeking

Journal article

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Trauma Exposure and Psychosocial Adaptation: Serial-Parallel Mediation of Posttraumatic Beliefs and Disability Acceptance in Predicting Self-Stigma of Help-Seeking

Jaeyoung Kim, Elaine Mora, Minju Lee, Heerak Choi and Hung Kuo

The Journal of rehabilitation, Vol.91(4), pp.6-16

01/01/2026

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities (CID) are at increased risk of experiencing potentially traumatic events, which can disrupt psychosocial adaptation. OBJECTIVE: Guided by Livneh's Psychosocial Adaptation Model, this study examined how trauma-related cognitive alteration is associated with psychosocial adaptation outcomes. METHOD: Traumatic experiences were conceptualized as antecedents, posttraumatic beliefs about self and others and disability acceptance as process variables, and self-stigma of help-seeking as an outcome. Data were collected from 183 adults with CID who reported at least one traumatic event. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that traumatic experiences significantly predicted posttraumatic beliefs, which in turn negatively affected disability acceptance. Posttraumatic beliefs about others directly increased self-stigma of help-seeking, whereas the effect of disability acceptance on self-stigma was nonsignificant. Indirect effect tests showed that posttraumatic beliefs fully mediated the relationships between trauma exposure and both disability acceptance and self-stigma. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions as central variables connecting trauma exposure to reduced psychosocial adaptation among individuals with CID. The results underscore the importance of integrating trauma-informed approaches in rehabilitation counseling services and addressing both trauma-related beliefs and disability acceptance to enhance help-seeking and engagement in rehabilitation services.

Adults

Chronic Illnesses

Mediation

People with Disabilities

Trauma

Acceptance

Adaptation

Adjustment

Beliefs

Counseling services

Disability

Help seeking behavior

Psychosocial factors

Rehabilitation

Self concept

Self esteem

Stigma

Traumatic life events

Variables

Details

Title: Subtitle: Trauma Exposure and Psychosocial Adaptation: Serial-Parallel Mediation of Posttraumatic Beliefs and Disability Acceptance in Predicting Self-Stigma of Help-Seeking
Creators: Jaeyoung Kim
Elaine Mora
Minju Lee
Heerak Choi
Hung Kuo
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The Journal of rehabilitation, Vol.91(4), pp.6-16
ISSN: 0022-4154
Publisher: National Rehabilitation Association
Language: English
Date published: 01/01/2026
Academic Unit: Counselor Education and Supervision
Record Identifier: 9985222719102771

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