Christopher Reeve Study Guide Flashcards
Who was Christopher Reeve?
He was an actor who is famous for his role as Superman.
How did Christopher get injured and what were his injuries?
While riding his horse, Buck, during a horseback competition, Chris fell off his horse and landed on his head after Buck suddenly came to a halt on his third jump. He suffered a paralyzing injury on his first and second vertebrae.
What was Christopher’s initial reaction?
He felt humiliated and depressed, and he wanted to die.
Did Reeve’s perspective about his injury change over time? Why or why not?
Yes, his perspective did change over time. With the support and love he received from his wife, Dana, and their children, as well as the care he received from the medical staff (especially from his nurse Juice), Reeve began to gradually accept his condition. He started to interact with other patients at the hospital, pushed himself to reach higher goals, etc.
What initial resources did Christopher have?
Christopher’s initial resources included his family (especially his wife), his health insurance, his determination and courage personality, good health, money, and fame.
Did he attain any additional resources?
Yes, he attained additional resources such as medical care, supervision from his nurse Juice, support from fans, medication, support from Robin Williams, etc.
Who was Christopher’s wife and what role did she play in his recovery?
Christopher’s wife was Dana. She promised him that she would remain by his side, which she did.
What does “dirty stop” mean?
It means the horse suddenly stops inexplicably
What does “hangman’s injury” mean?
It was the term coined for Reeve’s injury. He broke the first two vertebrae, at the brain stem.
Who was Juice?
The nurse who helped Reeve out; became close to him; told Reeve he had a reason to be alive
Who was Buck?
Christopher Reeve’s horse
Apply the ABC-X Model
A—activating event + stress pile ups
• Christopher’s injury: loss of work and career; finances; insurance caps; medical complications; immobility
B—resources: initial and attained
• Health insurance; money; fame; connections; family (especially Dana); Robin Williams; Juice; medical care; determination and courage
C—perception
• initial: depressed, wanted to die, humiliated
• change: found a sense of purpose; did a lot of self evaluation; became a better father or person in general
X—crisis: bonadaptation or maladaptation?
• bonadaptation: adapted well in the remaining nine years of life
