Abstract:
This study involved a sample of 57 students from Joy Town Secondary School for the Physically Challenged, and two of their teachers who were interviewed. The study sought to find out if there was a relationship between physical disability and self-image and to establish the self-image concerns among physically challenged adolescents in the School. The specific objectives of the study were to establish how adolescents with physical disability perceived their self-image, determine how the perceived self-image among the adolescents with physical disability affected their lives and to find out if there was any relationship between self-image and the level of physical disability among adolescents. This study used a mixed method research design, which involved both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection, and analysis. Questionnaires were administered to 60 out of 240 students in the school. The students were selected through random sampling. Data resulting from the questionnaires was quantitatively analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Findings are presented in form of descriptive statistics using percentages and frequency tables. Qualitative data resulting from interviews is presented as themes and sub themes involving discussions and comparisons. Findings show that the highest number of the respondents perceived themselves negatively. From the findings, majority of respondents indicated that living with disability affects their self-image. Majority of the respondents further indicated that people don’t really accept them for who they are. Based on the results of this study, physical disability among adolescents affected their self-image. The same findings are confirmed by the interviews with their teachers. The study shows that without proper support, physical disability played a significant role in the self-image of the physically challenged adolescents. The study also found that self-esteem, community and discrimination had influence on the respondents’ self-image. From the findings, adolescents with physical disability for example, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida experienced more difficulties when it comes to self-acceptance, self-image and self-esteem. The teachers reported that students who were well supported at school and at home were more likely to accept themselves within a short time. Through support and guidance, the adolescents accept themselves more and tend to have a positive image and high self-esteem. In relation to relationship between perceived self-image and level of physical disability, the study identified that at Sig. P