Psychological Research in Individuals with Exceptional Needs (PRIEN)

Neurodiversity, a concept that embraces variations in human brain function and cognitive processes, is increasingly recognized as a valuable aspect of workforce diversity. Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace can lead to numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities. However, integrating neurodivergent individuals into the workplace also presents several challenges that need to be addressed through thoughtful policies and practices. This letter explores the opportunities and challenges associated with promoting neurodiversity in the workplace and highlights strategies to foster an inclusive environment for all employees. Promoting neurodiversity in the workplace presents both significant opportunities and challenges. By embracing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, organizations can foster innovation, gain a competitive advantage, and create a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. However, achieving these benefits requires addressing the challenges of workplace accommodations, social barriers, and the balance between disclosure and privacy. Through inclusive hiring practices, continuous training, effective leadership, technological support, and strong community networks, organizations can successfully integrate neurodiversity and unlock its full potential.

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of community integration and social participation among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth data from 27 adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from various community centers, support groups, and social service organizations. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed interviews, identifying key themes and subthemes that captured the essence of the participants' experiences and perceptions. The study identified four main themes: experiences of community integration, types of social activities, perceived benefits and challenges, and influencing factors. Participants reported a strong sense of belonging and personal growth through community activities, despite facing barriers such as stigma, accessibility issues, and financial constraints. Support systems, including family, professionals, and peer networks, played a crucial role in facilitating participation. Recreational, cultural, and educational activities, as well as volunteering, provided significant physical, emotional, and social benefits. Technological advancements, inclusive policies, and personal resilience were identified as critical factors influencing community integration. The findings highlight the importance of enhancing accessibility, support systems, and inclusive policies to promote community integration and social participation for adults with intellectual disabilities. Addressing the identified barriers and leveraging facilitators can improve their quality of life and well-being. Future research should employ mixed-methods approaches, include longitudinal studies, and consider the perspectives of family members, caregivers, and professionals to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing community participation.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ego State Therapy (EST) in enhancing prosocial behavior and health motivation among young adults with mild physical disabilities. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed, involving 30 participants aged 18-30 with diagnosed mild physical disabilities. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=15), which received eight 90-minute sessions of EST, or the control group (n=15), which received no intervention. Prosocial behavior and health motivation were assessed using the Prosocialness Scale for Adults (PSA) and the Health Motivation Scale (HMS), respectively, at baseline, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27 software, with analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements and Bonferroni post-hoc tests to control for multiple comparisons. Results indicated significant improvements in prosocial behavior (F(2, 28) = 12.45, p < 0.001) and health motivation (F(2, 28) = 10.89, p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. These improvements were sustained over the five-month follow-up period, with significant interaction effects between group and time for both prosocial behavior (F(2, 28) = 8.67, p < 0.001) and health motivation (F(2, 28) = 9.23, p < 0.001). Bonferroni post-hoc tests confirmed significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention and from baseline to follow-up in the intervention group, with no significant changes in the control group. Ego State Therapy significantly enhances prosocial behavior and health motivation in young adults with mild physical disabilities, with sustained effects over a five-month follow-up period. These findings suggest that EST is a valuable therapeutic approach for promoting psychological integration and well-being in this population. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential benefits of integrating EST with other therapeutic modalities.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Reality Therapy in improving temperament and sleep quality among adolescents with learning disorders. This randomized controlled trial included 30 adolescents, aged 12 to 18, diagnosed with learning disorders. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (15 participants) or the control group (15 participants). The intervention group underwent twelve 60-minute sessions of Reality Therapy over a two-month period, while the control group received no therapeutic intervention. Temperament and sleep quality were assessed using the Revised Dimensions of Temperament Survey (DOTS-R) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively, at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and two-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements and the Bonferroni post-hoc test, with SPSS-27 software. The results indicated significant improvements in both temperament and sleep quality in the intervention group compared to the control group. These improvements were sustained at the two-month follow-up. Specifically, the intervention group showed marked improvements in emotional regulation and sleep patterns, highlighting the efficacy of Reality Therapy in addressing these critical aspects of adolescent health. Assumptions for ANOVA were confirmed, ensuring the robustness of the findings. Reality Therapy significantly improves temperament and sleep quality in adolescents with learning disorders, with effects lasting beyond the intervention period. This study supports the use of Reality Therapy as a viable intervention for improving emotional and sleep-related outcomes in this population. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is recommended to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.

This study aims to examine the relationship between self-advocacy skills, assistive technology use, and self-esteem among adults with physical disabilities. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 244 adults with physical disabilities. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing self-esteem, self-advocacy skills, and assistive technology use. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the relationships between the variables. A linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which self-advocacy skills and assistive technology use predict self-esteem. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. The results indicated significant positive correlations between self-esteem and both self-advocacy skills (r = .62, p < .01) and assistive technology use (r = .58, p < .01). Self-advocacy skills and assistive technology use were found to be significant predictors of self-esteem, accounting for 49% of the variance (R² = .49, F(2, 241) = 115.63, p < .001). The regression analysis revealed that self-advocacy skills (B = 0.34, β = .42, p < .001) and assistive technology use (B = 0.28, β = .36, p < .001) both positively influence self-esteem. The study concludes that self-advocacy skills and assistive technology use are crucial determinants of self-esteem in adults with physical disabilities. These findings highlight the importance of providing support and training in self-advocacy and access to appropriate assistive technology to enhance psychological well-being and autonomy in this population. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally and across diverse disability groups.

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of academic self-concept in children with hearing impairments, focusing on the roles of emotion socialization and grit. Understanding these relationships can inform interventions to support the academic success and well-being of these children. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of 271 children with hearing impairments, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie table. Participants were assessed using the Self-Description Questionnaire I for academic self-concept, the Coping with Children's Negative Emotions Scale for emotion socialization, and the Grit Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation to examine bivariate relationships and linear regression to evaluate the predictive power of emotion socialization and grit on academic self-concept, using SPSS-27. Descriptive statistics indicated moderately high levels of academic self-concept (M = 3.45, SD = 0.58), emotion socialization (M = 4.12, SD = 0.73), and grit (M = 3.89, SD = 0.65). Pearson correlation showed significant positive relationships between academic self-concept and both emotion socialization (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and grit (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). The regression model was significant (F(2, 268) = 76.45, p < 0.001), explaining 36% of the variance in academic self-concept (R² = 0.36). Emotion socialization (B = 0.35, p < 0.001) and grit (B = 0.45, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of academic self-concept. The study found that both emotion socialization and grit are significant predictors of academic self-concept in children with hearing impairments. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving emotion socialization practices and fostering grit could enhance the academic self-concept of these children, supporting their academic success and overall well-being.