Acceptance of disability and its correlates

J Soc Psychol. 1998 Feb;138(1):13-25. doi: 10.1080/00224549809600349.

Abstract

In a sample of 1,266 U.S. adults with disabilities, relationships were examined between acceptance of disability and (a) demographic characteristics (age, gender, race, education, marital status, and income); (b) disability conditions (disability onset, multiple disabilities, and chronic pain); and (c) other psychosocial factors (self-esteem, emotional support, perceived discrimination, and hostility). Self-esteem and emotional support from family and friends played important roles in the participants' adjustment to disability. Furthermore, perceived social discrimination against people with disabilities had a significant impact on acceptance of disability. Disability conditions such as acquired disability, multiple disabilities, and chronic pain were also important variables related to disability acceptance.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Demography
  • Disabled Persons / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prejudice*
  • Self Concept*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Social Support