The development of disability pride through challenging internalized idealist and ableist norms in Turkish society: A grounded theory study


Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Psikoloji Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2018

Öğrenci: BEYZA ÜNAL

Danışman: TÜLİN GENÇÖZ

Özet:

The aim of this study was to generate a theory on the self-concept development of Turkish people with physical disabilities in relation to their body appearance and functionality. The data was collected through semi-structural interviews conducted with 10 individuals with different types of physical disabilities requiring constant use of wheelchair. For the analysis of the qualitative data, grounded theory methodology was used. The results of the analysis revealed that the interaction between the presence of impairments and physical and attitudinal barriers in the society may lead to the internalization of idealist and ableist norms in the society, increasing the likelihood of longing for normality among disabled people. This path is associated with the feelings of shame regarding one’s own body appearance and functionality. However, questioning and challenging these norms and their own internalizations enable disabled people to separate themselves from the society, giving them the chance to see their disability as a part of various ways of being, rather than a deficiency. As a result, disability pride becomes possible. The findings of this study mainly emphasized the importance of social arrangements ensuring independent living of disabled people for the personal growth, although the right to live independently is not implemented successfully in Turkey yet. This study was v one of the few studies that bring the fields of clinical psychology and disability studies together, having practical and clinical implications to ameliorate the living conditions and psychological well-being of disabled people.