Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Women: Using the ICF as a Framework to Explore Environmental and Personal Factors

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a conceptual framework that was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The framework offers a new perspective from which to view a condition or disability in terms of components such as body functions and structures, activities, participation, environmental factors, and personal factors. In an effort to explore the experiences of women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), risk factors for them will be explored using the ICF as a conceptual framework. The environmental factors and personal factors on the ICF will be matched in order to tailor support services and resources for women with PTSD in counseling settings.