A Comparative Study of the Self-Esteem of People with Physical-Mobility Disabilities Either with or without University Education

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the relationship between self-esteem and its related factors among individuals with physical-motor disabilities. The method used in this research is a comparative survey. The statistical population of the present study was 1600 people with physical-motor disabilities in the city of Yazd 2018. According to the Cochran formula, a sample of 310 individuals were obtained. A group of 155 people with physical-motor disabilities without higher education and 155 university graduates with physical-motor disabilities were studied under the auspices of the Yazd Welfare Organization. The data collection tools were the Rosenberg self-efficacy scale, SF-36 quality of life by the World Health Organization, and Sherer et al.’s (1982) self-efficacy. The mean self-esteem for all the participants was 36.30, which is more than average. The results of this research generally showed that university-graduates have more self-esteem than those without university education. There was a significant relationship between self-efficacy and self-esteem. Therefore, according to the results of this study, it is necessary for social institutions and social workers to modify the attitudes of societies toward empowerment through education, cultural activities, effective media plans and appropriate social programs. Keywords: Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, Quality of Life, People with Physical-Motor Disabilities, Higher Education