Disability- Its Impact on Self-Esteem of Young Adults Pursuing Higher Education

The investigation attempts related to self-esteem among children and adolescents without disabilities have been made to considerable extent; however, research regarding children, adolescents and more specifically young adults with disability attending any post-secondary program has been scarce in the country. The present study examined the self-esteem among young adults with diverse disabilities who attended college, university or any post-secondary program, as well as investigated the factors that may have direct or indirect impact on the self-esteem among this specific category of population. Specifically, this study aimed to identify the level of self-esteem among young adults with varying disabilities pursuing higher education. More specifically, the study also investigated whether male and female with specific disabilities differed in their levels of self-esteem, and if their visibility or non-visibility of disability has any contribution to the total value of s self-esteem. In addition to this, attempts were made to determine whether nature of disability, economic status of family does have any direct or indirect consequence on the total value of self-esteem. There were 51 participants with varying disabilities between the age group 18-25, with majority of participant’s males (30) and females (21), with 35% orthopedically handicapped, 33% Visually impaired, 16% Hearing Impaired, 2% Autism Spectrum Disorder (Savant) and 14% with other disabilities. The findings after administration of different statistical procedures reflected that there exists a significant difference between gender and total value of self-esteem, which was found to be considerably lower in female population; the possible reason may be their emotional instability in comparison to male, or due to the role that is brought up by society and family to them so that boys have a perception of being more independent than girls which consequently elevates the self-esteem of boys or also the female population is believed to be more conscious about their physical appearance in contrast to the males. The individuals with disability may exhibit the feelings of inferiority, less engagement in self-initiated activities, feelings of faith limitations in self-capabilities and development of reduced levels of personal autonomy and self-control. The financial soundness may let you explore the nature more and the more you explore the more the diverse experience and the more the diverse experience the higher the knowledge regarding self-limitations and capabilities. Additionally, the financial constrains may hinder the academic progress of the individuals with disability as the demands for success needs the resources which may be inadequate for someone with financial restraints. Ultimately it was found that the majority of the respondents (82 %) display average level of self-esteem while fewer (18%) exhibit the lower level of self-esteem. This may be due to the successful academic accomplishments and fulfillment of aspirations despite the limitations posed by the nature.