“WHO AM I?” – A REFLECTIVE EXPERIENCE ON THE SENSE OF SELF OF INTELLECTUALLY CHALLENGED ADOLESCENTS WITHIN FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Year 2017, Volume: 7 , 192 - 202, 08.09.2017

Christene Louw Herman Grobler Richard Cowden

Abstract

This
study explored intellectually challenged adolescents’ experiences of their
sense of self within familial relationships. 
An embedded, mixed methods approach was used – semi-structured
interviews were conducted with 12 adolescents, who also completed an emotional
intelligence measure, the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version.
The participants’ scores indicated average emotional intelligence, supporting
their capacity to recognize, understand, and manage emotions experienced by the
self and others.  The adolescents
provided corroborating qualitative evidence that they recognized the influence
of family relationships, and positive and negative broader social experiences
(e.g. peers in school) on their sense of self. 
Exploration and self-reflection facilitated the formation of strong,
stable selves, and creates awareness that some adolescents need supportive
reinforcement to construct a positive sense of self.  

Keywords

Identity, adolescence, familial relationships, intellectual developmental disabilities, mixed methods

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