Exploring dimensions of fortitude: a qualitative investigation of sources of resilience among university students with a physical disability

Abstract

Much of the research within the field of psychology on the subject of physical disability tends to highlight difficulties and challenges. This is reflective of the pathogenic paradigm, in which the focus of interest is psychological illness, wearability and risk. Similarly, a great deal of general research in the area of disability is structured within the medical model perspective, predominantly concerned with functional limitations of an impaired body. However, according to the social model of disability, the biggest challenge to the disabled is not individual impairment but the way that society responds in a generally negative, discriminatory way to those with disability. Disability activists have highlighted the oppression of the disabled and the importance of human rights and emancipation issues. The current. trend within the field of disability is towards integrating multidisciplinary approaches, rather than focussing exclusively on social issues. The present study explores dimensions of fortitude (or strength despite adversity) among university students with a physical disability. Fortitude is a construct that forms part of a salutogenic or florigenic paradigm, concentrating on psychological health or strength. Other examples of similar constructs include: sense of coherence, hardiness, potency, resilience and coping. The construct fortitude was developed as a result of research by Pretorius (1998). Individuals who experience high levels of well-being in spite of the presence of high levels of stress in their lives may be described as having fortitude. Fortitude is made up of three dimensions; a positive appraisal of self, a positive appraisal of the support from family and a positive appraisal of support from others. Each of three dimensions may also function independently but fortitude comprises the interaction of the three. Research has demonstrated a consistent negative relationship between fortitude and various measures of distress as well as a positive relationship between fortitude and measures of well-being. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the three dimensions of fortitude apply to students with physical disability and whether other dimensions of fortitude are revealed. A qualitative research design was employed using unstructured individual interviews. Participants were six university students with a physical disability. The transcripts of the interviews were analysed using qualitative data analyses. Results revealed that all participants displayed fortitude in spite of many difficulties relative to the disabling experience. The three dimensions of fortitude as described above were evident and no other significant dimensions were revealed. Notwithstanding limitations of the study, recommendations are made for further research in the area of fortitude among those with physical disability. South Africa has one of the largest populations of trauma related spinal cord injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents and violent crimes. The subject of fortitude among those with physical disability therefore requires further research particularly from the perspective of tertiary preventative programmes.