Self-concept in children with cerebral palsy: is there something in the wind?
1Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec Rehabilitation Institute, 525 Boul. Hamel, Quebec, Canada. line.nadeau@rea.ulaval.ca
Insights
This study compared self-concept in children with and without cerebral palsy (CP) and explored the impact of victimization. Findings reveal differences in self-concept across groups, highlighting factors influencing children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Self-concept is crucial for child development.
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) may face unique challenges impacting self-concept.
- Social adjustment issues, such as victimization, can further affect self-perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare self-concept across four distinct groups of children.
- To investigate the influence of motor impairment (CP) and social adjustment problems (victimization) on self-concept.
- To identify factors affecting self-concept in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Four groups were analyzed: victimized CP, non-victimized CP, victimized comparison, and non-victimized comparison groups.
- Self-concept was assessed using the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC).
- Victimization was determined through classwide sociometric interviews.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in self-concept were observed among the groups.
- The specific domains of self-concept measured showed varying group differences.
- Victimization status appeared to influence self-concept in both CP and comparison groups.
Conclusions:
- Self-concept in children with CP is influenced by multiple factors, including victimization.
- Understanding these factors can inform interventions to support children with CP.
- This research contributes valuable insights into the psychosocial well-being of children with disabilities.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to compare self-concept in four groups of children distinguished by the presence/absence of either a motor impairment (with and without cerebral palsy, CP) or social adjustment problems (victimisation).
Method:
Four groups were formed: a victimised CP group (n=17), a non-victimised CP group (n=41), a victimised comparison group (n=10) and a non-victimised comparison group (n=46). Self-concept was measured using the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC, Harter The Self-Perception Profile for Children. Unpublished manual. Denver, CO: University of Denver; 1985) during the school visit. Victimisation was obtained by conducting a classwide sociometric interview in the class of the target child.
Results:
The results indicate that the groups differ depending on the domain measured.
Conclusions:
By identifying factors that may influence self-concept in children with CP, this study contributes new information to this subject.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Concept
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Understanding Self-Concept
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Major Somatic Sensory Pathways
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
Exploration...
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison

