SELF-ESTEEM, COPING STYLES AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF DISABLED PERSONS WITH HIGH ACHIEVEMENT IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract : The study has two major aims the first of which IS to
identify persons with hearing, visual and motor disabilities but with high
achievement while the second is to explore the threads of resilience
qualities which, among others, include self·esteem, coping styles, and
social dimensions.
Seventy-seven participants were drawn from three different disability
groups particularly those with visual, hearing and motor impairments. A
combinetion of quanti/ativo and qualitative approaches were employed
to generate and analyze empirical data. All except one (99 8%)
expressed their positive reaction to ingredients of self·esteem such as
the feeling of self· confidence and the absence of mfen"ority complex
A t·test result also showed no statistically significant difference in
relation to self·esteem across the three disability groups at 0.05/evel of
significance. Besides, over 94 % of the responc.en/s ' in vanability
declared that they hold a positive feeling of self·efficacy. With regard to
coping styles they used to conquer their life· encounters, a number of
common cross-disability strategies, personal resilient qualities and
social protective factors were identified. No statistically significant mter·
group variation (a 0.05) was also found among the participants' pattem
of family interaction as well as in the degree of their community
participation .