Perceptions of Disability as Related to Medical and Social Factors

Abstract

This study addressed self-perception of disability and the belief that others perceive one to have a disability. Factors from the medical and social models of disability were tested to determine if social factors still play a role in such perceptions when controlling for medical factors. Cross-sectional data from the 1994-1995 National Health Interview Study on Disability (NHIS-D) provided a stratified random sample of 25,805 noninstitutionalized adults. Logistic regression models were used to demonstrate that even controlling for medical factors (e.g., particular disabling conditions and restrictions in activities of daily living), social and vocational factors were significant predictors of disability perception. Ramifications for the theoretical study of disability, social psychology, and disability policy are discussed.

Development and Validation of the Self-Acceptance Scale for Persons with Early Blindness: The SAS-EB

“…In our initial hypothesis, it had been labeled self-protection from negative judgments from others , which consisted in evaluating the ability of the individual to accept themselves without the worry of being negatively evaluated by others. However, after an analysis of the discussions from the two focus groups and in accordance with studies of Brittain [45] , Hughes [46] , Lobianco and Sheppard-Jones [47] , Sahin and Akyol [48] , Tripp [49] , and Watson [50] , we found that for individuals with disabilities, an important source of negative judgment comes from social stigmas. Stigma is an attribute that others perceive to be deeply discrediting [51] - [52] .…”

Redefining Disability, Re-imagining the Self: Disability Identification Predicts Self-esteem and Strategic Responses to Stigma

“…The social model, on the other hand, calls attention to policies, institutional practices and physical environments that restrict access and systematically discriminate against those who fail to conform to normal standards of form and function (Scotch & Schriner, 1997;Shakespeare, 2006). Such disparate conceptions of disability affect perceptions of self and others and can have a pervasive influence in the shaping of identity (LoBianco & Sheppard-Jones, 2007;Smart, 2009).…”

Guidelines for assessment of and intervention with persons with disabilities.

“…The social model holds that disability is a product of the ongoing interaction between individuals and their environments (DePoy & Gilson, 2004;Gill et al, 2003;Hahn, 1999;LoBianco & Sheppard-Jones, 2007;Longmore, 1995; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research [NIDRR], 1999;Smart, 2001;Smart & Smart, 2007). This model focuses on the dynamic interactions of their individual characteristics (e.g., conditions, functional status, personal and social qualities) with the natural, built, cultural, and social environments (NIDRR, 1999).…”