Understanding the Filipino PWDs and their family: The lived experiences of individuals and their journey to psychological empowerment

Date of Publication

2016

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Adviser

Jaymee Abigail K. Pantaleon

Defense Panel Member

Chester Howard M. Lee

Abstract/Summary

It still remains that Persons with Disability (PWDs) receive discrimination from society. Because of the discrimination they experience, PWDs constantly face barriers that hinder them from participating in certain activities, including employment. In response to these barriers, individuals started movements to assert their rights and place in the community. (World Bank, 2002 Calves, 2009) In order to gain equal ground with other members in society, individuals belonging to minority groups such as PWDs have to undergo empowerment, which is the experience of gaining control over one's environment. (Zimmerman, 2012) Thus, to better understand psychological empowerment, which is defined as a process or an outcome that leads to an achieved power state . (Bennett, Begin & Wells, 2016) the proponents will gather PWD individuals who are currently successful in their current careers. In this study, the proponents aimed to gather and understand the lived experiences of Filipino working PWDs and their respective families in the attainment of psychological empowerment through he working PWD's perception of his or her intelligent career success.

Major findings of this research consists of the difference in perception of the immediate family members and the PWD participants. Family members define disability as a limitation or hardship, while PWDs define disability as a challenge or a ability . Immediate family members also perceived different challenges compared to their PWD family members. Most family members are only able to discuss external challenges that the family experiences during the PWD participant's job hunting experience, however, the PWD participants mainly discussed internal challenges as the main obstacle to overcome during their job hunting experiences. Despite the differences between the responses, the proponents found that all participants and their immediate family members' learning and realizations are common with four (4) components which are: PWDs as a minority group, social inclusion of PWDs, family support towards PWDs and character development of PWDs. Since PWDs are still treated as second rate citizens and provided poor services and facilities in society, family support and character development of PWDs are needed to help them to take control over their environment.

Despite the numerous findings, there are still vast areas related to this study that need to be looked into further. However, the proponents believe that through the current study, there will be more understanding towards the lived experiences of PWDs by the PWD community and their families, organizations and the government. Through this research, the proponents hope that other PWDs, families, organizations, and the government may gain inspiration from the stories of the participants, may this be a source of not just understanding these individuals but also to better provide for their needs and the needs of minority groups, for a more unified future and society. The proponents also hope to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and to encourage further pursuits in studying and understanding PWDs.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU11323

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

[4], vii, 307 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm.

Keywords

People with disabilities--Philippines; Disabilities--Philippines; Sociology of disability--Philippines

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