In this paper, we will discuss the consequences of secondary conditions and their impact on rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for persons with disabilities. Health promotion as a preventive method for secondary conditions for persons with disabilities has not been a significant area of interest on the part of the general health care and rehabilitation services community in Western societies. In the U.S., after years of careful evaluation a shift in scientific and advocacy thinking has encouraged researchers, funding agencies, health care providers, rehabilitation professionals and persons with disabilities, as well as the consumers of health care services to prioritize future studies in this specific area and establishing quality health care and the best possible rehabilitation outcomes for millions of individuals with disabilities.

This paper examined epistemological directions of studies related to attitudes toward persons with disabilities and reviewed definitions and accruement of knowledge in this body of literature. Historical perspectives concerning attitudes toward persons with disabilities were linked to socio-political issues, civil rights movements, models of disability, and differing values in society. Philosophical input of recent studies were examined and centered on unique directions in the research literature concerning attitudes toward persons with disabilities. Implications that argue for continued research in attitudes toward persons with disabilities were discussed.