The Economic and Social Empowerment and Its Relationship to Psychological Well-Being Among Women with Disabilities

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between economic and social empowerment and the psychological well-being of women with disabilities in Jordanian society, while exploring the mediating role of internalized stigma. Using a quantitative cross-sectional methodology, questionnaires were administered to a sample of 200 women with disabilities. The results revealed low average levels of economic empowerment, social empowerment, and psychological well-being, alongside a high level of internalized stigma. Regression analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed a strong positive relationship, with economic and social empowerment together explaining a substantial proportion of the variance in psychological well-being. The results also confirmed the existence of a partial mediating role for internalized stigma in this relationship, indicating that a significant part of the positive effect of empowerment on psychological well-being operates through reducing the internal sense of stigma. The study emphasizes the need to adopt integrated policies and programs that enhance employment opportunities and social participation for women with disabilities, while simultaneously working to combat stigma to promote their comprehensive psychological well-being, which has important implications for policies and practices.