Effects of Physical Disabilities on Psychosocial Wellbeing of Children in Rehabilitation Centres in Lagos

This study examines the effects of physical disabilities on the psychosocial wellbeing of children aged 7 to 15 years in rehabilitation centres in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Children with physical disabilities face compounded developmental challenges, including social stigma, restricted mobility, dependence on caregivers, and limited participation in peer activities, all of which can adversely affect their emotional wellbeing and sense of self. This research employed a descriptive survey design and recruited 200 children with physical disabilities from four rehabilitation and special education centres in Lagos Island and Surulere. Psychosocial wellbeing was assessed using the Child and Youth Resilience Measure, the Self-Description Questionnaire, and teacher-completed assessments of social functioning. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and thematic synthesis of open-ended responses. Results indicate that the majority of participants reported low self-concept scores and significant feelings of social isolation. However, children with stronger peer friendships and supportive family environments demonstrated notably higher resilience scores. Access to peer interaction within rehabilitation settings was identified as a significant positive predictor of wellbeing. The study recommends that rehabilitation centres in Lagos integrate structured peer interaction programmes and psychosocial counselling as standard components of their service offering. Keywords: physical disabilities, psychosocial wellbeing, children, Lagos State, resilience.