Stigmatization and Self-Other Perception Profiles Amongst Adolescents With Learning Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Exploration

This study explored experiences of stigmatization among adolescents with learning disabilities (LDs) in Grades 7 to 10 (N = 77). Two aims guided the study: (a) to examine how adolescents' personal views of their LD differed from expectations of how others perceive them, and (b) to investigate how discrepancies between these views relate to key psychological and educational outcomes. A three-stage approach was employed, involving thematic analysis, conversion of qualitative data into quantitative values, and statistical analysis. Thematic analysis showed overlap as well as divergence between self-perceptions and perceived societal views. Personal views emphasized academic ability (39.7%), difference (19.2%), and support (20.5%), whereas expected societal perceptions highlighted being seen as "stupid/dumb" (28.1%), concerns about social relationships (16.7%), and lack of LD awareness (12.5%). Quantitative conversion identified four self-other perception profiles, with the most common being balanced self/balanced other (37.6%) and balanced self/negative other (38.9%). Statistical analyses suggested these profiles were associated with perceived stigma related to assistive technology (AT) use, although not with frequency of AT use or academic self-concept. Implications for intervention, study limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.