This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7730-9291
Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, to discover the impact that perceived stigma has on several factors in a person’s life including overall health, well-being, and quality of life. A qualitative research design was used. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, and to discover the impact of stigma on overall health and well-being. Three themes are identified: stigma narratives, shifts in awareness, and factors inhibiting quality of life. Stigma narratives contained three subthemes: experiences with stigma, frequency of stigma, and settings where stigma was experienced. Shifts in awareness consisted of three subthemes as well: changes in perception of accessibility, changes in perception of disability, and perception of treatment in public settings. Finally, factors inhibiting quality of life included the following subthemes: avoidance or fear of judgment, changes in participation, and the impact of stigma on well-being. Participants experienced stigma and a change in perceived treatment in multiple settings; they experienced a shift in their own perception of both disability and accessibility; and they experienced inhibited participation and enjoyment in various aspects of their lives as a result of perceived stigma. The results of this study reveal that stigma can negatively impact health, wellbeing, and overall participation in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Donoghue, A. M. (2025). Examining the Relationship Between Stigma and Physical Disability Through Lived Experiences. Student Journal of Occupational Therapy, 5(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.46409/001.RHIQ3330
