Living with epilepsy has negative effects on self-esteem. However, participants did report positive feelings and interactions in their daily lives. This manifested in support from families and friends - these served as protective factors against the stressors of living with epilepsy. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

A 2019 study on adolescent epilepsy experience in Singapore. The study was a quantitative research review of the effects of childhood epilepsy on internal and external problems, psychiatric diagnosis, quality of life, social skills, and academic success as compared to the participants' peers.

Living With Epilepsy in Adolescence 

Chew, J., Carpenter, J., &amp; Haase, A. M. (2019). Living with epilepsy in adolescence-a qualitative study of young people's experiences in Singapore: Peer socialization, autonomy, and self-esteem. Child: Care, Health and Development, 45(2), 241–250. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12648 

Living With Epilepsy in Adolescence

Results show that the severity of impairment has a strong impact on skills such as autonomy, independence, and social development. Seizures and impairments resulting from the seizures interrupted and derailed day-to-day tasks and participants' ability to complete them. 

Physical and Functional Factors

Internal Factors

In addition to physical and functional impairments, the participants experienced social effects as well. These effects were created because of societal barriers to participation such as inaccessible transport systems and being viewed as a burden by society. 

Social Factors

Despite the barriers and struggles the participants experienced daily, most did not view themselves as less capable or worse off than their peers. This mindset was bolstered by peer and family support, positive thinking, and being able to partake in leisure activities (such as going to the movies with friends and using social media). 

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