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Exploring the self-concepts of persons with intellectual disabilities
Eria Ping-Ying Li1, Alan Sing-Fai Tam, David Wai-Kwong Man
1Department of Rehabilitation Science, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. rseriali@inet.polyu.edu.hk
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities : JOID
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Young adults with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong value family, social connections, and achievements. They maintain positive self-perceptions through social comparison, highlighting the need for support services.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Disability Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding self-concept is crucial for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Hong Kong Chinese cultural context influences self-perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the self-concepts of Hong Kong Chinese individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- To identify key domains contributing to their self-esteem.
- To examine self-perception in relation to social comparison.
Main Methods:
- Face-to-face interviews in Cantonese with 135 young adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Utilized the Chinese version of the Adult Source of Self-Esteem Inventory (ASSEI).
- Incorporated three open-ended questions to explore self-conceptions across life domains.
Main Results:
- Family self, social self, and achievement in school/work were paramount.
- Participants demonstrated higher total self-concept than a comparison group when using in-group social comparison.
- In-group social comparison facilitated positive self-perception.
Conclusions:
- Family partnership, self-concept enhancement strategies, and quality employment services are vital.
- These supports can foster positive self-concepts and improve community integration for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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