Psychological Distress and Self-evaluation of Students with and Without Disabilities in Tertiary Education

Abstract

Backgrounds: Students in tertiary education experience tremendous stresses in their academic study. Academic stress was associated with depression, anxiety and stress. It may also lead to poor academic performance, which in turn result in low level of self-efficacy and poor self-esteem. Objectives: This study compared the psychological distress and self-evaluation of students with and without disabilities in a tertiary institution, with a view to provide targeted intervention for students in need of supports. Methods: A questionnaire comprising items on demographic characteristics, disability status, and measuring instruments was put online to invite students to participate in the study. A total of 458 students without disabilities and 91 students with different types of disabilities responded to the questionnaire survey. Results: Students with disabilities were at higher risk of severe mental disorders than students without disabilities. They also showed lower general self-efficacy and poorer global self-esteem. Students with physical and sensory impairments and those with learning difficulties and developmental disabilities were in similar levels of distress or self-evaluation compared with students without disabilities. Within group analysis revealed that students with mental and emotional problems were highest of psychological distress, lowest in self-efficacy, and poorest in global self-esteem. Students with physical and sensory impairments were positive in self-evaluation and their psychological distress was in the normal range. Conclusions: Psychological distress and self-evaluation of students with different types disability ranged from normal to unhealthy. Supportive services should be targeted for students with mental and emotional problems as they are more vulnerable to academic stress.



Author Information
Hoi Nga Ng, Saint Francis University, Hong Kong
Kam Weng Boey, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Chi Wai Kwan, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Paper Information
Conference: KCE2024
Stream: Counselling

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Posted by James Alexander Gordon