Development of self-concept and self-evaluation in people with intellectual disabilities: A literature review

【Background】 Understanding the self-development and self-understanding of people with intellectual disabilities is important, particularly for those providing education and career support for this population. There is insufficient research into the self-focusing of people with intellectual disabilities, to the extent that clinical research concerning this issue has declined in Japan in recent years. However, it is necessary to identify any future issues that may arise in this research area. Therefore, this paper examined possible future research questions concerning the self-development of people with intellectual disabilities on the basis of a literature review. 【Method】 This paper collected and reviewed international journal articles. Results First, the literature was marshaled from the perspectives of marking development changes, understanding disabilities and stigma, and developing assessment methods for examining the self-concepts of people with intellectual disabilities. Second, literature examining the factors involved in the development of self, leisure and social participation, education, residential forms, and family relationships was identified. 【Conclusions】 This review considered the future challenges inherent in overcoming the difficulties of measuring methods and the enhancement of longitudinal development research, enhancement of research into the significant others and groups involved in the individuals’ selfformations, and development of a more thorough understanding of disability