Comparing the self-concepts of persons with and without physical disabilities

Tam and Watkins (1995b) explored the basis of self-concepts of physically disabled and nondisabled Hong Kong Chinese adults and developed the hierarchical multidimensional self-concept models. Two questionnaires that measure self-concept were developed and validated for those groups. The questionnaires share 41 common items in 6 self-concept areas. In the present study, the 2 groups' responses were compared via univariate analysis of variance. The nondisabled participants (n = 200) were found to have statistically significantly higher means than their disabled counterparts (n = 214) in total self-concept, material self-concepts, and physical self-concepts. There were no significant differences in their family, social, and work self-concepts. The nondisabled participants reported greater openness (indicated by higher self-criticism scores).