Disability, family and identity

SCHNEIDER, Cort

Publication Date 

October 2016

Many people with disabilities struggle with issues that relate to identity development.  Many people with disabilities find it difficult to develop a positive sense of self. There is also no question that familial relationships play a significant part in the process of identity construction for people with disabilities. Thus, it is important to examine how family relationships influence the process of identitydevelopment for people with disabilities. Conversely, it relevant to explore how a person’s identity development can impact his or her relationship with family members. This article employs an autoethnographic approach to research in order to examine issues that relate to disability, identity and family. It elucidates the complex nature of family scripts and identity. In addition this paper contends that the process that an individual goes through in order to “come to terms” with a disabled identity, can transform the relationships that an individual has with various family members.

 

Considering Disability, Vol.1, Issue 3&4

DOI: 10.17774/CDJ1.32016.2.20575874

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