Culture

Confidence Booster and Career Determination Factor: What Clothing Means to People Living with a Physical Disability

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Abstract

People living with a disability (PLWD) are no different than people living without a disability who wish to participate in society and accomplish life goals that amplify their well-being. These life goals often include finding employment, receiving an education, and achieving overall health and well-being. However, disability often has a negative impact on the accomplishment of these goals due to frequent barriers PLWD face, such as lack of appropriate clothing (Kabel, McBee-Black, & Dimka, 2016). Labeling theory addresses the negative impact of being "labeled" disabled on the accomplishment of life goals (Rosenfield, 1997). PLWD form self-stigma when they are "labeled" which is associated with the acknowledgement, agreement, and internalization of the negative stereotypes about themselves (Kao et al., 2016). To investigate the impact of clothing on workplace participation an exploratory study was developed using the frameworks of labeling theory and the construct of self-stigma.

How to Cite:

McBee-Black, K. & Ha-Brookshire, J., (2017) “Confidence Booster and Career Determination Factor: What Clothing Means to People Living with a Physical Disability”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).