Critical issue is independence and autonomy in preparation for adulthood. Disability may impair and create sense of learned helplessness that persists. Also may create sense of excessive anger that impairs relationships. Chronic disability may impair social participation and retards relationship skills, gives damaging body image. Sense of self-worth as productive individual, beginning of family relationships are central to this age.
Disability leaves in dependency situation.
Often overcompensation to disability, super hardy individual who will overachieve. May not be able to form intimate relationships due to dealing with others through disability role. Beginning of career goals, if sense is of unequal opportunity, lasting psychological reaction. Disability poses threat to security. Often leads to severe depression, less of self-esteem, hopelessness.