Improving Social Inclusion for People with Physical Disabilities: The Roles of Mobile Social Networking Applications (MSNA) by Disability Support Organizations in China

Abstract

Having friendships and interpersonal social connections is a normal and expected necessity of life that enhances an individual’s well-being. Digital platforms, such as mobile social network applications (MSNA), present a means for people with disabilities to integrate in society. This study combines intrinsic benefits (such as enjoyment experience and information) and extrinsic benefits (such as social networking) to explore the impact of these benefits on online friendships, and the influence of these online friendships on the perceived social connectedness and well-being of people with physical disabilities. The partial least squares methodology was used to conduct statistical analysis on survey data; the outputs were obtained through convergent analysis, discriminant analysis, and bootstrapping. The results showed that enjoyment experience and social network benefits significantly influence online friendships, which influence perceived social connectedness and well-being. In addition, the perceived social exclusion has a significant moderation effect. Our findings are expected to help local disability service organizations develop effective digital disability inclusion strategies to combat widespread social exclusion among people with disabilities.

Effects of Social Exclusion on Psychological-Well-Being and Suicidal Possibilities Among People With Physical Disabilities

“…In the study, it was determined that the psychological well-being levels of people with physical disabilities were moderate. Similar to our study, Kim and Zhu (2020) determined that physically disabled people have low levels of well-being and their social exclusion negatively affects their level of well-being. Restrictions of movement that people with physical disabilities experience affect their psychological state, reduce their quality of life, and make it difficult for them to participate in social life.…”

“…It is important to collaborate with people with physical disabilities to identify these problems and find the right solutions. Social exclusion experienced in physically disabled people also affects their psychological well-being (Kim & Zhu, 2020, 2333. Psychological well-being is considered as the ability of people to strive in the face of compelling events they face in their lives (Diener et al, 2010, p. 152).…”

Protective Role of Social Networks for the Well-Being of Persons with Disabilities: Results from a State-Wide Cross-Sectional Survey in Kerala, India

“…The advancement of technology would be another way to increase connectedness and enlarge the borders of the neighborhood. A few digital networking models are worth experimenting with in order to enhance their social inclusion, learn about the resources available, and also advocate for legislation to promote access and social inclusion [40]. This study challenges the current focus of policymakers and practitioners, who emphasize financial support alone as a means of enhancing the well-being of PWDs.…”

Community Support for Persons with Disabilities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

“…Topics covered in this literature included barriers to participation [ 7 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], unmet needs for assistance [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], human support and peer support [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], and documentation of specific programmes [ 26 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”