# The Changing Process of Disability Identity: A Trajectory Equifinality Model Analysis of Japanese with Physical Disabilities

## TL;DR

This study explores how people with physical disabilities in Japan develop their disability identity through interactions and key life events.

## Contribution

It introduces a Trajectory Equifinality Model to analyze non-linear identity development in the disability community.

## Key findings

- Participants experienced dilemmas about their invisible disabilities and a sense of isolation.
- Cultural and structural environments significantly influenced their problem-solving and viewpoints.
- Disability identity is holistic, allowing movement between disability and non-disability communities.

## Abstract

This study examines the development of disability identity in Japan’s disability community. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three Japanese participants with physical disabilities who had active interaction with others with disabilities. The interview transcription was analyzed using the KJ method and the Trajectory Equifinality Model developed in Japan. The analysis showed that the participants coped with a sense of isolation from society and experienced dilemmas about their invisible disabilities. They broadened their views from personal to general disability issues at several turning points. The process was not linear; they examined the unprocessed path deeply to understand the meanings of actual experiences after each turning point. They were influenced by family members, people with similar or different disabilities, people without disabilities, and local government officials. In addition, their cultural and structural environments either encouraged or hindered their problem-solving abilities and development of new viewpoints. Their relationships with other people with disabilities enabled the participants to broaden their perspectives on disability issues and realize the limitations of their own activities. They were not satisfied with their achievements and neglected to cultivate successors. The study results demonstrated that forging and sustaining a disability identity does not mean people with disabilities belong entirely to the disability community. Instead, they move between the disability and non-disability communities. That holistic identity gives people with disabilities the opportunity to seek new activities using a broader imagination.