Self-evaluation and self-concept of adolescents with physical disabilities

1989 - 1990

Investigators & Staff

• G King
• I Shultz
• K Steel
• M Gilpin
• T Cathers

Funding Agency

Research Award from Thames Valley Children's Centre - $5,000 (1989-1990)

Summary

This study examined the self-esteem, self-concept, self-acceptance, social self-efficacy and values of adolescents with physical disabilities. Significant differences were found in several aspects of these teens' self-concept relative to adolescents without disabilities.

Fifty-three adolescents aged 14 to 18 years with diagnoses of cerebral palsy (n=27), cleft lip or palate or both (n=17), or spina bifida (n=9) took part in this study. Comparisons were made (separately for males and females) between the findings and published norms for adolescents without disabilities. Significant differences were found with regard to several aspects of self-concept: females with physical disabilities were lower in perceived social acceptance, athletic competence and romantic appeal than the normative sample, and males with physical disabilities were lower in perceived scholastic competence, athletic competence and romantic appeal. Furthermore, social self-efficacy was found to be a significant predictor of both independence and persistence in adolescents with disabilities, who were significantly less independent and persistent than teenagers in the normative samples.

For more information, please refer to:

• Keeping Current: "The Importance of Self-Esteem: Implications for Practice" (KC #96-1)
• King, G., Shultz, I., Steel, K., Gilpin, M., & Cathers, T. (1993). Self-evaluation and self-concept of adolescents with physical disabilities. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 47(2), 132-140.

Impact

These findings have a number of implications for assessment and intervention with children and adolescents with physical disabilities.