Life Satisfaction of Students with Disabilities in Malaysia and Nigeria: Policy Directions

Abstract

One major concept that has been globally regarded as central to meaningful human welfare is life satisfaction (LS). It is the way one perceives how one’s life has been, and how one feels about where it is going in the future. The present study focused on life satisfaction of Students With Disabilities (SWDs) in two developing nations, namely Malaysia and Nigeria. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Participants were two hundred purposively selected Students With Disabilities (SWDs). Multiple regression analysis was used for data analysis on responses obtained from a self-designed, validated and reliable instrument. Findings indicated that in Malaysia, the five selected domains accounted for 36.9% in the variance, and the best contributors are attitude to life (β = .353), self-concept (β = .285), and living environment (β = .229). However, in Nigeria, the five selected domains accounted for 7% in the variance, and the best contributor is self-concept (β = .282). All the five domains contributed jointly and differentially to life satisfaction of SWDs in Malaysia and Nigeria, though some appear more important and significant than others. SWDs are advised to develop positive attitude to life, and also have good self-concept beliefs. Finally, good health and living conditions of SWDs should be a top priority in government’s policies.