Publication Date

Fall 2012

Document Type

Project Summary

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Communication and Training

First Advisor

David Rhea, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Irene Pandy, M.A.

Third Advisor

Larry Sanders, M.A.

Abstract

Social acceptance is pivotal in a child's life but it is harder to obtain if one has a learning disability (LD). Individuals with learning disabilities experience being ostracized, ridiculed and labeled as dumb, subnormal and slow learners by their peers. ''Leaming disabilities" is a term that's used to describe different types of learning problems. A learning disability is not a disease. Children with learning disabilities are often stigmatized and associated with failure, which lowers their self-esteem. Academic problems a child with a learning disability may experience can be a constant source of frustration, especially in the areas of reading, math, reasoning, memory and/or self-control. Many children with a learning disability struggle with social acceptance among their peers and are bullied by their classmates (Westwood, 2004). The purpose of the workshop is to analyze and evaluate how self-esteem is affected by those who struggle with a learning disability. The workshop will specifically focus on adolescents because children with learning disabilities suffer countless academic disappointments, bullying, depression and suicide, which may contribute to lowering their self esteem. Research found that individuals with learning disabilities develop a negative self perception of themselves unlike their peers who do not have a learning disability (LaBarbera, 2008). There is literature linking depressive tendencies, negative self-perceptions, low self esteem, or emotional and behavioral disorders, anxiety and suicidal behavior of those who have a learning disability.

Comments

Abstract by OPUS staff, from Introduction.

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