Psycho-Social Challenges of Disabled Students
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Swaira AbidPsycho-Social Challenges of Disabled Students
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Swaira Abid“Exploring the Psycho-Social Challenges faced by Public-Sector University students with
physical motor disability in Pakistan: A qualitative investigation”
Authors:
Swaira Abid
Department of Psychology,
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
University of Central Punjab
54000 Lahore, Pakistan
swairaabid2000@[Link]
Ms. Ayesha Khalil
Senior Lecturer at Department of Psychology,
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
University of Central Punjab
54000 Lahore, Pakistan
[Link]@[Link]
ABSTRACT
Background: A large number of population is facing physical disability, that made their
day to day living difficult. As students of such population face many challenges due to their
physical handicapped element. The purpose of the research was to explore the psycho-social
challenges faced by physical disable students in Public-Sector Universities of Pakistan.
Methodology: As the topic is exploratory in nature, a qualitative methodology was
employed to penetrate into the topic under investigation. Purposive sampling of non-probability
approach was used to collect the data from Public-Sector Universities of Pakistan. Detailed semi-
structured interviews were conducted on seven participants who have physical motor disability,
from 7th and 8th semester of BS (hons). The interviews lasted from 35-45 minutes.
Results: By using Thematic Analysis, eight themes emerged: (a) unsupportive class
fellows, (b) unsupportive teachers, (c) discriminatory attitudes, (d) misperception of disability,
(e) uncomfortable gaze, (f) unwanted feelings, (g) low self-esteem and (h) social anxiety. The
findings both support and contribute to the knowledge of this kind of experience.
Conclusion: The research highlights the importance of training teachers and conducting
awareness campaigns to educate students about supporting physically handicapped individuals in
class by discouraging discrimination. Additionally, organizing accessible outdoor activities for
disabled individuals can enhance skills, foster confidence, and alleviate social anxiety. Future
researchers should conduct one-on-one interviews and perform a comparative study between
students with physical motor disabilities in public and private sector universities.
Novelty Statement: The research underscores unique themes, specifically the
misperception of disability and the phenomenon of the uncomfortable gaze. These themes
underscore the potential impact of such perceptions on psychological well-being. Notably, the
study identifies a distinct case wherein disability is regarded as a blessing. In this particular
instance, the attention and affection garnered from nearby individuals elevate the participant to a
central position in social situations, providing insight into diverse perspectives on disability.
Keywords: Challenges, Physical disable students, higher educational institutions,
qualitative research, thematic analysis.
Author Biography:
Author 1: Ms. SWAIRA ABID, is a dedicated researcher with expertise in Social & Clinical
Psychology. Holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I have contributed significantly
to the field through following research study. With a focus on "Psycho-Social Challenges
Encountered by Students with Physical Motor Disabilities in Public-Sector Universities in
Pakistan," this research investigates the primary psychological and social hurdles faced by these
students. The study underscores the impact of social interactions in the surrounding environment
on the development of psychological challenges.
Swaira Abid
Department of Psychology,
University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
swairaabid2000@[Link]
Author II:
Ayesha Khalil
Senior Lecturer, Psychology Department, Faculty of Humanities
& Social Sciences
University of central Punjab
[Link]@[Link]
Common questions
Powered by AIThe misperception of disability can exacerbate psychological challenges by fostering a societal perception that views disability negatively, leading to discriminatory attitudes and behaviors. This contributes to issues such as low self-esteem and social anxiety, as students may feel marginalized or misunderstood .
A novel insight offered by the study is the perception of disability as a blessing in certain contexts, where the heightened attention and affection from others place the disabled individual in a socially central position, providing a different vantage point on disability that can be both empowering and positively impactful .
The primary themes identified in the study are unsupportive class fellows, unsupportive teachers, discriminatory attitudes, misperception of disability, uncomfortable gaze, unwanted feelings, low self-esteem, and social anxiety .
Training teachers is crucial because they play a direct role in shaping the classroom environment. Educated and sensitized teachers can actively reduce discrimination, provide necessary accommodations, and foster an inclusive atmosphere, which directly enhances the educational experience for students with physical disabilities .
Unsupportive classmates contribute to a non-inclusive environment, leading to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and increased social anxiety in students with physical disabilities. This peer dynamic reinforces a cycle of discomfort and marginalization .
While some themes such as unsupportive environments and social anxiety are common globally, the study's focus on cultural specifics like the misperception of disability and the unique phenomenon of 'uncomfortable gaze' stresses the importance of contextual factors. This underscores how localized social norms and attitudes can distinctly influence the experiences of students with disabilities, necessitating tailored approaches to support .
The study proposes that organizing accessible outdoor activities can play a significant role in alleviating social anxiety. These activities can help develop skills, enhance self-esteem, and provide students with opportunities to interact socially in a more relaxed and less judgmental setting .
The 'uncomfortable gaze' refers to the way students with physical motor disabilities are often subjected to staring or unwanted attention, which can make them feel uneasy, contributing to unwanted feelings and exacerbating social anxiety .
The findings highlight the specific challenges faced in public-sector universities, underscoring discrepancies that might exist with private institutions. Conducting comparative research could elucidate differences in resource availability, attitudes, and support structures, leading to better-targeted interventions .
The study suggests several improvements, including training teachers and conducting awareness campaigns to educate students about supporting peers with disabilities, discouraging discrimination, and organizing accessible outdoor activities to enhance skills, build confidence, and alleviate social anxiety .