Self-esteem and self-concept of adolescents with physical disabilities
1993 - 1994
Investigators & Staff
Funding Agency
Easter Seal Society - $5,000 (1993-1994)
Summary
This interview study examined the coping mechanisms of adolescents with physical disabilities. It should not be assumed that adolescents with disabilities view themselves as less worthy than others, although they do have lower self-concepts in areas such as social acceptance, athletic competence and job competence (in comparison with norms for able-bodied adolescents). The findings indicated that adolescents with physical disabilities use several coping mechanisms to maintain high self-esteem, as do all individuals, such as devaluing (devaluing skill areas in which one has little competency) and defensive attribution (attributing negative feedback to others' prejudiced attitudes rather than to personal factors).
Nineteen adolescents with spina bifida or cerebral palsy who were between 13 and 19 years of age took part in this study. They were interviewed by a research assistant who administered Harter's (1988) Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents and other questionnaires designed to assess three coping mechanisms. Approximately one-quarter of the adolescents used devaluing and one-fifth used defensive attribution. There was little evidence that they employed a social comparison strategy (comparing oneself to others with disabilities rather than to an able-bodied group).
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Impact
- Findings can help clinicians to understand the self-perceptions and needs of adolescents with disabilities, and thereby contribute to quality clinical practice.
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