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Published Version (Advanced Access)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
A phenomenological perspective on contributors to positive physical self-concept in women with intellectual disability
Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol.Advanced access
2025
Abstract
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 PetridisKatrina Lawrence (Corresponding Author) - The University of SydneyJonathan Mason - Cairnmillar Institute
- Publication details
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol.Advanced access
- Publisher
- Emerald Publishing Limited
- DOI
- 10.1108/TLDR-04-2025-0006
- ISSN
- 2042-8782; 1359-5474
- 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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