Self-concept, self-esteem and psychopathological symptoms in persons with intellectual disability

Span J Psychol. 2007 May;10(1):141-50. doi: 10.1017/s1138741600006405.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is two-fold: (a) to analyze self-concept, self-esteem, and psychopathological symptoms in individuals with and without intellectual disability; and (b) to explore whether there were gender differences in these same variables in both groups. The sample is made up of 170 participants aged 19 to 40, 128 without disability and 42 with intellectual disability. The methodology is descriptive. To measure the variables, three assessment instruments were applied: the "Listado de adjetivos para la evaluaci6n del autoconcepto en adolescentes y adultos" (LAEA; Garaigordobil, in press), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1965), and the Revised Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90; Derogatis, 1983). The ANOVA showed that participants with intellectual disability scored significantly lower in self-concept and self-esteem, and higher in all the psychopathological symptoms except for somatization. The ANOVA did not reveal significant gender differences in any variables in either of the two groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychopathology
  • Reference Values
  • Self Concept*
  • Sex Factors
  • Somatoform Disorders / diagnosis
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology