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Exploring Psychological Distress Among Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities: The Impact of Age, Gender, and Disability Type

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  • Nimrod Polak

    (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

  • Ephraim S. Grossman

    (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

Abstract

Background: Extensive research indicates that individuals with learning disabilities are more prone to experiencing heightened levels of emotional difficulties and distress. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between specific learning disabilities (SLDs) and psychological distress (PD), particularly focusing on the predictive power of difficulties in reading, writing, and arithmetic on PD, while also considering the effects of gender and age. Methods: The sample consisted of 133 participants (73 male) aged 23–44 years ( M = 34.41, SD = 9.69), with 56 officially diagnosed with an SLD. The participants completed an online survey comprising a demographics questionnaire, a self-report SLD questionnaire, and psychological distress assessment using the K6 scale. Results: The participants with SLDs reported higher PD levels than the general population, with significant correlations between difficulties in reading, writing, and arithmetic and PD. Reading and writing difficulties were stronger predictors of PD than arithmetic difficulties. Additionally, the women and younger adults reported more PD, with the SLD severity significantly impacting PD beyond these variables. Conclusion: These findings highlight the strong link between SLDs and PD, particularly emphasizing the role of reading and writing difficulties in contributing to psychological distress. Moreover, the subjective severity of the SLD predicted PD beyond gender and age within the SLD group.

Suggested Citation

  • Nimrod Polak & Ephraim S. Grossman, 2024. "Exploring Psychological Distress Among Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities: The Impact of Age, Gender, and Disability Type," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:4:y:2024:i:4:p:65-1064:d:1534761
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Soon-Aun Tan & Yee Shan Goh & Norzarina Mohd Zaharim & Su Wan Gan & Chin Choo Yap & Sarvarubini Nainee & Ling Khai Lee, 2022. "Problematic Internet Pornography Use and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults in Malaysia: Gender as a Moderator," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-11, March.
    4. M. Pilar Matud & M. Concepción García, 2019. "Psychological Distress and Social Functioning in Elderly Spanish People: A Gender Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, January.
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