University Student Experiences of Disability and the Influence of Stigma on Institutional Non-Disclosure and Learning

Autor/inn/en	Grimes, Susan; Southgate, Erica; Scevak, Jill; Buchanan, Rachel
Titel	University Student Experiences of Disability and the Influence of Stigma on Institutional Non-Disclosure and Learning
Quelle	In: Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 33 (2020) 1, S.23-37 (15 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2379-7762
Schlagwörter	Student Experience; Students with Disabilities; Labeling (of Persons); Attitudes toward Disabilities; Stereotypes; Disclosure; Undergraduate Students; Academic Achievement; Social Support Groups; Help Seeking; Employment Potential; Mental Disorders; Foreign Countries; Disability Discrimination; Australia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Studienerfahrung; Student; Students; Disability; Disabilities; Schüler; Schülerin; Studentin; Behinderung; Labeling-Ansatz; Klischee; Schulleistung; Social support; Soziale Unterstützung; Help-seeking behavior; Help-seeking behaviour; Hilfe suchendes Verhalten; Arbeitsmarktbezogene Qualifikation; Beschäftigungsfähigkeit; Mental illness; Geisteskrankheit; Ausland; Australien
Abstract	A research project at an Australian regional university reframed "disability" by defining the diagnosis of a disability with an impact on learning as a "learning challenge." Using the terminology of "learning challenge," an anonymous, online survey found there was a significant number of students who chose institutional non-disclosure and excluded themselves from legally mandated support for learning. Using a sample of 111 students from this previously hidden group, qualitative analysis was performed on their stated reasons for non-disclosure using the conceptual lens of stigma mechanisms and theories at individual, situational, and institutional levels. This research found that internalised stigma is most common for students living with mental health issues (n=97), who anticipate discrimination and prejudice should disclosure be made. Further analysis for this group found students described stigma as having effected learning through poorer academic outcomes, reduced social support and academic help-seeking, and a perception that future professional identities excluded those living with mental health issues. Non-disclosure was perceived by students to be necessary to protect them from being discredited within their learning environment and, for some, in future employment. Structural elements of stigma, such as the qualification of disability and process of disclosure, were seen to be barriers. Perceived discrimination and the desire to protect students' ideal identity (not disabled) were also described. Institutions may find these results useful to develop changes that will result in improved academic outcomes, retention, and completion for students living with disability and stigma. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Association on Higher Education and Disability. 8015 West Kenton Circle Suite 230, Huntersville, NC 28078. Tel: 704-947-7779; Fax: 704-948-7779; e-mail: JPED@ahead.org; Web site: https://www.ahead.org/professional-resources/publications/jped
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01