Receiving or Providing Help: “Helping Others” as a Vocational Value in Physically Disabled High School Students
International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/1034912x.2026.2678844
- Journal Name: International Journal of Disability, Development and Education
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: coping strategies, high school students, personality traits, Physical disability, posttraumatic growth
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Disability is often associated with the need for support in broader society, and the employment of individuals with disabilities is frequently addressed in terms of providing them with personal, social, and economic assistance. However, for individuals with disabilities, the choice of an occupation can also serve as a means of supporting others and contributing to their well-being. This study focuses on understanding the variables associated with high school students with physical disabilities who prefer occupations that position them as providers rather than recipients of help. 76 high school students with physical disabilities participated in the study. Results indicated that the most highly endorsed vocational values were ‘friendship’ and ‘helping others’. Students with personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness demonstrated higher levels of active coping and posttraumatic growth. Furthermore, those with higher levels of active coping and posttraumatic growth were more likely to value helping others as a vocational ideal.