Effect of Peer Attitude on Personality and Psychological Well-Being of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Buea Municipality

Abstract

If the much needed radical change in our attitude to disability is to come about then we must realize that disability is about rights not charity and empowerment not pity. Physical disability is a category of disability that is obvious to all and as such attracts all forms of attitude from the public. Myth stigmatization, teasing, name calling, prejudices and discrimination are common forms of negative attitude exhibited towards persons with disabilities and they affect them negatively. This study therefore revealed the effect of the aforementioned attitude types on the personality and psychological wellbeing of persons with physical disabilities in the Buea municipality. Using a purposive sampling technique, 10 of them were sampled and with the help of a mixed form of questionnaire, data was collected which was analyzed using frequency and percentages. The study revealed that, all aforementioned negative attitudes had impacted negatively on the personality and psychological well-being of persons with physical disabilities. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, sensitization on the condition of physical disability is the main strategy to eradicate peers discriminatory and negative attitudes towards persons with physical disabilities.   Keywords: Peer attitude, Self-fulfilling beliefs, Physical Disability, Stigmatization