A phenomenological perspective on contributors to positive physical self-concept in women with intellectual disability

Katherine Petridis; Katrina Lawrence; Jonathan Mason

doi:10.1108/TLDR-04-2025-0006

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A phenomenological perspective on contributors to positive physical self-concept in women with intellectual disability

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A phenomenological perspective on contributors to positive physical self-concept in women with intellectual disability

Katherine Petridis, Katrina Lawrence and Jonathan Mason

Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol.31(1), pp.22-31

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-04-2025-0006

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Abstract

self-efficacy

intellectual disability

self-concept

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have shown similar body dissatisfaction levels to those without ID. However, little research has investigated the factors that contribute to their beliefs about their bodies (physical self-concept). This study aimed to investigate the unique experiences and behaviours contributing to positive physical self-concept of women with ID, as this has been associated with positive wellbeing outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative phenomenological design using thematic analysis was undertaken on women with ID (n = 12) to identify experiences impacting on their physical self-concept. Findings Several mechanisms (behaviours and experiences) and associated psychological benefits (positive psychological experiences) were identified as contributing to their physical self-concept. Several identified themes converged with the Self-Efficacy Theory, suggesting that a sense of competence is particularly important in perceiving one’s body positively. Originality/value These findings provide initial evidence for practical ways to support women with ID to enhance their physical self-concept through enhancing engagement with identified mechanisms, and importantly, their associated psychological benefits.

Details

Title: A phenomenological perspective on contributors to positive physical self-concept in women with intellectual disability
Authors: Katherine Petridis
Katrina Lawrence (Corresponding Author) - The University of Sydney
Jonathan Mason - Cairnmillar Institute
Publication details: Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol.31(1), pp.22-31
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1108/TLDR-04-2025-0006
ISSN: 2042-8782
Copyright note: © 2025 Katherine Petridis, Katrina Lawrence and Jonathan Mason. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence maybe seen at Link to the terms of the CC BY 4.0 licenceLink to the terms of the CC BY 4.0 licence.
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991185244802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Education, Special

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