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Rezakhan M. Formation of positive self-concept and sense of worth in a woman with congenital hemiplegia: The role of early relationships and empowering care in a case study. SJMR 2026; 11 (3) : 2
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-404-en.html
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-404-en.html
Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. & Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (6 Views)
Summary:
In addition to motor limitations, congenital hemiplegia can affect the development of self-concept, sense of worth, social participation, and the quality of interpersonal relationships [1,2]. However, its psychological consequences are not simply a function of the severity of the physical injury; rather, they are significantly influenced by the quality of early relationships, parental caregiving style, social experiences, and the way individuals make sense of their condition [3,4].
This study aimed to investigate the role of early relationships and empowering care in the formation of positive self-concept, sense of worth, and psychological resilience in a 35-year-old woman with congenital hemiplegia. The study employed a qualitative approach in the form of a case study. Data were collected through clinical interviews, developmental and family history-taking, and reconstruction of the patient’s and family’s narratives, and were analyzed using an analytical-interpretive approach. The patient was born prematurely at 26 weeks of gestation following physical abdominal trauma to the mother and subsequent preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) [5,6]. She received specialized medical and rehabilitative follow-up from the first years of life. The mother, without being overwhelmed by feelings of failure or victimization, provided a foundation for the child’s development characterized by a sense of worth, responsibility, and opportunities to experience competence, adopting a pragmatic and persistent approach [7,8]. Despite encountering differing attitudes and some experiences of social exclusion at school, the patient did not organize her self-concept or sense of worth around her physical disability [1,2]. Active participation in family life, education in mainstream schools, marriage, motherhood, and the maintenance of psychological coherence in difficult situations indicated the development of a pattern characterized by positive self-concept, agency, and capacity for intimate relationships [4,9]. This case demonstrates that, in congenital hemiplegia, the quality of early relationships and empowering care can play a fundamental role in the development of a positive self-concept, a lasting sense of worth, and psychological resilience [3,4,8]. The findings emphasize the importance of distinguishing physical limitations from an individual’s psychological identity.
In addition to motor limitations, congenital hemiplegia can affect the development of self-concept, sense of worth, social participation, and the quality of interpersonal relationships [1,2]. However, its psychological consequences are not simply a function of the severity of the physical injury; rather, they are significantly influenced by the quality of early relationships, parental caregiving style, social experiences, and the way individuals make sense of their condition [3,4].
This study aimed to investigate the role of early relationships and empowering care in the formation of positive self-concept, sense of worth, and psychological resilience in a 35-year-old woman with congenital hemiplegia. The study employed a qualitative approach in the form of a case study. Data were collected through clinical interviews, developmental and family history-taking, and reconstruction of the patient’s and family’s narratives, and were analyzed using an analytical-interpretive approach. The patient was born prematurely at 26 weeks of gestation following physical abdominal trauma to the mother and subsequent preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) [5,6]. She received specialized medical and rehabilitative follow-up from the first years of life. The mother, without being overwhelmed by feelings of failure or victimization, provided a foundation for the child’s development characterized by a sense of worth, responsibility, and opportunities to experience competence, adopting a pragmatic and persistent approach [7,8]. Despite encountering differing attitudes and some experiences of social exclusion at school, the patient did not organize her self-concept or sense of worth around her physical disability [1,2]. Active participation in family life, education in mainstream schools, marriage, motherhood, and the maintenance of psychological coherence in difficult situations indicated the development of a pattern characterized by positive self-concept, agency, and capacity for intimate relationships [4,9]. This case demonstrates that, in congenital hemiplegia, the quality of early relationships and empowering care can play a fundamental role in the development of a positive self-concept, a lasting sense of worth, and psychological resilience [3,4,8]. The findings emphasize the importance of distinguishing physical limitations from an individual’s psychological identity.
Article number: 2
Keywords: Congenital hemiplegia, self-concept, sense of worth, psychological resilience, empowering care, early relationships, case study
Article Type: Case Report |
Subject:
Pregnancy Care
Received: 2026/09/9 | Accepted: 2026/09/14 | Published: 2026/09/17
Received: 2026/09/9 | Accepted: 2026/09/14 | Published: 2026/09/17
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