
Depending on the age and other individual factors, adjustment to disability is going to present differently. This is part of the reason for the lack of consensus related to defining the path towards disability identity development. 


Identity Formation and the Presence of Disability


- The formation of a disability identity is unique and individual characteristics examined when formulating a model for disability identity development. 
- There is a need for longitudinal research analyzing this topic. 


Two Major Findings from Systematic Literature Review about Disability Identity Formation



The function of understanding the formation of a disability identity is to analyze how individual variation plays a role in adapting to their adversity and to develop effective interventions.  

Arizona State University

The formation of an individual's disability identity relies on both social and psycholgocial factors related to acceptance and meaning/purpose. Thus, the development of this identity is dependant on interpersonal (social) and intrapersonal (psychological) awarness. 

Defining Disability Identity Development

Forber-Pratt, Lyew, D. A., Mueller, C., & Samples, L. B. (2017). Disability Identity Development: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Rehabilitation Psychology, 62(2), 198–207. https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000134


Disability Identity Development: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The Function of Understanding Disability Identity Development 

It is possible for someone to be disabled but not identify as disabled. It is also possible for someone to be disabled and identify as such, but not be identified by others as disabled. 

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