Psychological Research in Individuals with Exceptional Needs (PRIEN)

This study aimed to explore the impact of special education policies on the psychological well-being of exceptional students. This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 33 exceptional students recruited through online platforms. The study relied on theoretical saturation to determine the final sample size. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo software, following an inductive coding process to identify key themes related to emotional and psychological well-being, policy implementation, and future prospects of exceptional students. The results revealed three primary themes: emotional and psychological impacts, the effectiveness of special education policies, and long-term student outcomes. Participants reported experiences of stigmatization, social exclusion, and policy-related stress, which significantly affected their emotional well-being. While some students benefited from individualized education plans and supportive teacher interactions, others faced inconsistencies in policy implementation, leading to increased anxiety and uncertainty. The study also highlighted the crucial role of parental advocacy and teacher preparedness in ensuring the effectiveness of special education policies. Long-term concerns included access to higher education, career readiness, and independent living skills, with many participants expressing uncertainty about future accommodations and opportunities. The study underscores the critical influence of special education policies on the psychological well-being of exceptional students, emphasizing the need for stable, well-implemented policies, improved teacher training, and stronger parental engagement. Addressing inconsistencies in policy application and enhancing emotional support mechanisms within educational settings are essential steps toward fostering the well-being and long-term success of exceptional students.

This study aimed to explore the key components of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of adolescents with sensory impairments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 31 participants recruited via online platforms. Theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of identity development in this population. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, with NVivo software facilitating the identification of core themes and subthemes. The results highlighted four primary themes shaping identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. Personal identity formation was influenced by self-perception, emotional regulation, autonomy, and future aspirations. Social identity was shaped by peer relationships, family dynamics, social stigma, and the presence of mentors. Cultural and community belonging emerged as a significant factor, with participants emphasizing the role of cultural engagement, media representation, and community participation in shaping their identity. Coping strategies, including the use of assistive technologies, psychological resilience, and adaptive social skills, were found to play a crucial role in navigating identity-related challenges. These findings align with existing literature emphasizing the intersection of self-perception, social interactions, and cultural narratives in identity formation. The study underscores the complexity of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments, highlighting the interplay between personal, social, cultural, and adaptive factors. The findings suggest that fostering inclusive educational environments, providing mentorship opportunities, and improving media representation can positively impact identity formation in this population. Further research is needed to explore identity development across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to develop targeted interventions.

This study explores the emotional and psychological impact of assistive technologies on adolescents with visual impairments. A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 20 adolescents with visual impairments recruited through online platforms. Theoretical saturation guided data collection, and NVivo software was used for thematic analysis. The study examined participants’ emotional responses, psychological adaptation, and the social and educational impacts of assistive technology use. The results revealed that while assistive technologies enhanced empowerment, independence, and self-esteem, they also introduced challenges such as frustration, technological overwhelm, and social stigma. Many participants reported emotional attachment to their assistive devices, highlighting their role in fostering confidence and reducing dependence. However, rapid technological advancements contributed to anxiety and stress, particularly when transitioning to new tools. Psychological adaptation strategies included trial-and-error learning, seeking technical support, and developing resilience. Social support from parents, teachers, and peers played a crucial role in shaping participants’ experiences, with inadequate support leading to increased frustration. The digital divide further influenced participants’ emotional well-being, as access to advanced assistive technologies varied across socioeconomic backgrounds, impacting academic performance and social inclusion. Assistive technologies significantly shape the emotional and psychological well-being of adolescents with visual impairments by promoting independence and confidence while also posing adaptation challenges. The findings highlight the need for better accessibility training for educators, increased social support, and user-centered technological designs to reduce cognitive load and frustration. Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensure equitable access to advanced assistive technologies, fostering positive developmental outcomes for visually impaired adolescents.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of exposure therapy in enhancing life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility in adults with ADHD. This study employed a randomized controlled trial design, with 30 adults diagnosed with ADHD randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) receiving eight sessions of exposure therapy or a control group (n = 15) receiving no intervention. Life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and five-month follow-up using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), respectively. Data analysis was conducted using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine within- and between-group differences over time, with post-hoc pairwise comparisons performed using the Bonferroni adjustment. The results indicated a significant main effect of time and group, as well as a significant interaction effect between time and group for both life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility (p < 0.01). Post-hoc analyses showed that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in both variables from baseline to post-treatment (p < 0.001), with these gains maintained at follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes over time. The findings suggest that exposure therapy effectively enhances life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility in adults with ADHD, with long-term benefits observed at follow-up. Exposure therapy appears to be a promising intervention for improving life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility in adults with ADHD. By reducing avoidance behaviors and promoting adaptive cognitive responses, this approach may help individuals with ADHD develop greater emotional and cognitive adaptability. The sustained benefits observed at follow-up suggest that exposure therapy may provide long-lasting improvements in quality of life for this population.

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Sandplay Therapy in reducing self-handicapping behaviors and improving the quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 children diagnosed with ASD, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 15) receiving Sandplay Therapy or the control group (n = 15) receiving no intervention. The intervention consisted of eight 90-minute sessions conducted over eight weeks. Self-handicapping behaviors were measured using the Self-Handicapping Scale (SHS), and quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), both of which demonstrated established validity and reliability. Assessments were conducted at pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, with post-hoc comparisons conducted using the Bonferroni test. The results indicated a significant reduction in self-handicapping behaviors in the experimental group from pre-test (M = 42.85, SD = 4.31) to post-test (M = 31.76, SD = 3.76) and further at follow-up (M = 29.45, SD = 3.45), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Similarly, quality of life improved significantly in the experimental group, with scores increasing from pre-test (M = 52.12, SD = 5.12) to post-test (M = 63.45, SD = 4.78) and follow-up (M = 67.32, SD = 4.50), whereas the control group remained stable. ANOVA results confirmed significant main effects of time and group, as well as a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05). Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated that improvements were sustained at follow-up. Sandplay Therapy is an effective intervention for reducing self-handicapping behaviors and enhancing the quality of life in children with ASD, with sustained benefits observed at follow-up. These findings highlight the potential of nonverbal, expressive therapies in supporting emotional regulation and adaptive functioning in children with ASD.

This study aimed to examine the predictive role of frustration tolerance and social competence in body image satisfaction among adolescents with physical disabilities. This research utilized a correlational descriptive design with a sample of 350 adolescents with physical disabilities, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing body image satisfaction (MBSRQ), frustration tolerance (FDS), and social competence (SSRS). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation to explore associations between variables and linear regression to determine the predictive power of frustration tolerance and social competence on body image satisfaction. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS-27, and assumptions of normality, linearity, and multicollinearity were confirmed before conducting the regression analysis. Descriptive statistics showed that participants had a mean body image satisfaction score of 74.56 (SD = 9.87), a frustration tolerance score of 62.34 (SD = 8.23), and a social competence score of 68.21 (SD = 7.95). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between body image satisfaction and frustration tolerance (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and body image satisfaction and social competence (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). The regression model was statistically significant (F(2, 347) = 90.75, p < 0.01, R² = 0.46), indicating that frustration tolerance (B = 0.42, β = 0.39, t = 5.25, p < 0.01) and social competence (B = 0.56, β = 0.47, t = 7.91, p < 0.01) were both significant predictors of body image satisfaction. The findings suggest that higher frustration tolerance and greater social competence are associated with increased body image satisfaction in adolescents with physical disabilities, with social competence playing a slightly stronger role. These results highlight the importance of resilience-building and social skills interventions to enhance body image satisfaction in this population.