Abstract of D. Roth lecture

SELF IMAGE OF ADULTS WITH COMPLEX LEARNING

DISABILITIES, THEIR SENSE OF LOCUS OF CONTROL AND

THEIR ABILITY TO BE IN AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP AND

MAINTAIN IT – PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

APPROACH

D. Roth, B. Hozmi

Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel

Adults with complex LD, adjustment and function dysfunction seek to

have a normative quality of life. Intimate relationship "couplehood" is a

normative wish. Yet, this population presents low self-esteem, low

levels of motivation, of self-direction, individuation and differentiation.

These skills are essential for establishing inter-personal relationships.

In addition they are characterized with external locus of control. In the

research group at Beit Issie Shapiro, the members are challenged by

complex learning disabilities. All of them are chosen graduates of the

Special University program of Beit Issie and Bar Ilan University, who

decided to study the above issues on their peers. They developed and

chose the measurements tools, collected the data and interpreted the

findings – with the guidance of two professionals. Data was collected

on 139 participants. Results will be reported with a unique and

authentic perspective of the research group. Central findings show

that even though the target population reported a relatively positive

self esteem, they also reported mostly external locus of control. This

gap was explained theoretically and practically by the members'

previous academic learning and their life experience. Research Group

members: Offer, Haim, Zohar, Maya, Alona, Ginat, Yuval, Assaf,

Einat.