Abstract
Sixty percent of adult Americans have at least one chronic condition which leads totrillions of dollars being spent as well as various other social and psychological costs
such as; increased poverty, increased caregiver burden, and decrease in quality of life
(Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2018; Vroome et al., 2015; Duggleby et al.,
2016; Sprangers et al., 2000). While previous research focuses on different aspects of
rehabilitation care, there has been a lack of research regarding psychological factors
predictive of improved functional outcomes. The present study addresses this gap by
examining how certain psychological factors (depression and hope) affect functional
efficiency and improvement. Data was obtained from 76 participants (n = 43 female;
65.8% White; age M = 65.72 range 25-88) from a medical rehabilitation hospital. Results
indicated that hope and depression scores upon admission were not correlated with either
functionality upon admission (r = -.01, p = .91; r = -.15, p = .18), upon discharge (r = .17,
p = .13; r = -.07, p = .52), or functionality change (r = .20, p = .07; r = -.08, p = .49).
Similarly, hope and depression scores upon admission were not correlated with length of
hospital stay (r = .05, p = .66; r = .15, p = .18). Functionality from admission (M = 47.2,
SD = 16.6) to discharge (M = 83.2, SD = 29.8) did appear to improve (Cohen’s d =
24.54, t = 12.81, two sided p < .001). Although no significant results were found, the
need for developing and improving upon physical rehabilitation programs remains as
more money is spent to support a growing aging population with high incidence of
chronic conditions.