The effects of a motor handicap on personality: I. The effects on level of aspiration.

Abstract

Any comprehensive theory of personality must recognize the important role which the motor apparatus plays in a child's development. To mention just a few examples: it enables him to explore his environment and to develop techniques for independent mastery of problem situations; in his defense repertoire it is activated during the flight which accompanies fear, the destructiveness which accompanies anger, as well as the inhibitions which accompany the formation of conscience; it allows for the expression of free energy in play and other creative activities. It follows, then, that a motor apparatus which is not intact should present problems which affect the child's entire personality structure. The following studies were designed to explore the effect of motor handicap on certain aspects of the child's personality. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM There are many reasons for hypothesizing that a child with a motor handicap will face special problems in setting realistic goals for himself. To begin with, his ability to perform efficiently is often seriously disrupted, leaving him with a confusing inconsistency in regard to how he will perform in the future. His parents have to deal not only with unsettling emotional attitudes which may be aroused in such a child, but also with a far less clearly defined standard of growth by which to gauge his development. Thus, the child is more likely to be pushed by a parent who believes he is especially gifted or overprotected by one who believes he is relatively helpless. Finally, there are many areas in which the behavior of his non-handicapped peers cannot be used to set the standard of expected achievement.