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Article

Coping with social stigma: People with intellectual disabilities moving from institutions and family home

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Citation

Jahoda A & Markova I (2004) Coping with social stigma: People with intellectual disabilities moving from institutions and family home. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 48 (8), pp. 719-729. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2003.00561.x

Abstract
Background: Social stigma and its impact on the life opportunities and emotional well-being of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are a subject of both practical and theoretical importance. The disability movement and evolving theories of self, now point to individuals¡¯ ability to develop positive identities and to challenge stigmatizing views and social norms. Method: This paper presents findings from a phenomenological study of 10 individuals making the transition from their family home to live more independently and 18 individuals moving from a long-stay hospital to live in community housing. It builds on an earlier data set obtained from people living at home with their families and examines: (1) people¡¯s awareness of stigma, and (2) their modes of adaptation to stigma. Results: The participants all believed that they faced stigmatized treatment and were aware of the stigma associated with ID. They presented a range of views about self in relation to disability and stigma. These views included regarding themselves as part of a minority group who reject prejudice, and attempts to distance themselves from stigmatizing services and from other individuals with IDs. Conclusions: The findings are discussed in relation to theories of self and the importance of considering psychosocial factors is stressed in clinical work with people who have IDs

Keywords
identity; intellectual disability; selfworth; social comparison; stigma

Journal
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research: Volume 48, Issue 8

StatusPublished
Publication date30/11/2004
Publication date online19/10/2004
Date accepted by journal21/07/2003
URL
PublisherBlackwell Publishing Ltd
ISSN0964-2633
eISSN1365-2788

People (1)

Professor Ivana Markova

Professor Ivana Markova

Emeritus Professor, Psychology

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