Comparing the self-concepts of Hong Kong Chinese adults with visible and not visible physical disability.
In the present study, the authors evaluated the self-concept levels of Hong Kong Chinese adults with visible and not visible physical disabilities. Fifty-five Hong Kong Chinese (22 men and 33 women) aged 18 to 55 (M = 39.50, SD = 10.21) participated-20 without physical disabilities (control group), 20 with visible physical disabilities, and 15 with physical disabilities that were not visible. All the participants responded to the Self-Concept Questionnaire for Hong Kong Chinese With Physical Disabilities (SCQPD; S. F. Tam & D. Watkins, 1997). The group with visible disabilities scored significantly lower in self-concept than did the control group and the group with disabilities that were not visible. There were also significant differences between specific facets of self-concept for people with visible and not visible disabilities. It was interesting to find that there was no significant difference in self-concept levels between the not visible group and the control group. The implications for rehabilitation and social services for these various groups are discussed.
Tam
Sing-Fai
SF
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon. rsalan@polyu.edu.hk
Chan
Mei Hing
MH
Lam
Hoi Wa
HW
Lam
Lai Hing
LH
D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires