Self-concept and perceived social support among college students with and without learning disabilities

This study examined the self-perceptions of college students with and without LD. Fifty college students with LD and 50 college students without LD were individually administered the Self-Perception Profile for College Students and People in My Life. Students with LD had lower grades, test scores, and perceptions of their scholastic and intellectual abilities than students without disabilities. However, students did not differ in their perceptions of global self-worth, the importance they placed on academic competence, or their ratings of domain-specific competencies. Students with LD reported more social acceptance and support, and more support from campus organizations, than did students without LD. Support from campus organizations was related to self-esteem for students with LD, while support from instructors was associated with self-esteem for students without LD. Other factors related to self-esteem are discussed.