Chronic conditions and disability self-identification: An exploratory analysis of sociodemographic and psychological...

Not everyone who reports having a medical or psychiatric diagnosis self-identifies as disabled. However, many services and research instruments are framed for those who self-identify as disabled. It is important to understand the characteristics of individuals with impairments who do not self-identify as disabled to appropriately address this population. In this study, we explored whether adults with chronic conditions self-identified as disabled at different rates across demographic categories as well as whether there are differences between groups on antidisability prejudice and self-esteem.

Adults within the United States completed online surveys as part of a larger study. Of those who reported having chronic conditions, 286 self-identified as disabled, and 71 did not. We compared responses to demographic questions and attitudinal scales between these two groups using t tests, linear regressions, and binary logistic regressions.

Participants who self-identified as disabled were more likely to be younger and have a higher socioeconomic status than those who did not self-identify as disabled. There were significant differences by gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, educational and employment status, political beliefs, and neurodivergent self-identification. When controlling for demographic variables, participants who self-identified as disabled reported lower self-esteem but no differences in antidisability prejudice compared with those who did not.

Services and research instruments that only address people who self-identify as disabled may reach a different population as those with impairments who do not self-identify as disabled. Further research should be conducted regarding internalized ableism, disability identity, and self-esteem from a longitudinal perspective. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).