"Standing Tall” A Case Study on the Quality of Life of Individuals with Dwarfism

Abstract

The researcher conducted a case study on the quality of life of individuals with dwarfism and there were 12 respondents who participated in this study. Through looking into the life experiences of these 12 respondents using the phenomenological perspective, the researcher was able to find out how is it to live a life with dwarfism and determine how could they improve their quality of life. The researcher was able to gather data through in-depth interviews and participant observation. The in-depth interview includes questions about the different struggles of the respondents because of their condition in the course of their childhood, adolescence and adulthood life. Moreover, questions about the quality of life and its domains (Physical Health, Psychological, Social Relationship and Environmental) were also asked. After gathering the necessary data, the researcher found out that the short stature brought about the condition called 'dwarfism' caused people who were affected by it to become physically different in this average-sized world. They are facing different social challenges because of their condition. These social challenges such as constant teasing, discrimination especially in work and other forms of negative reactions affect the individual dwarfs' view and acceptance about themselves hence, affecting their quality of life. Individual dwarfs would have an improved quality of life if our society today will be educated enough about what is true and fiction about dwarfism. Physical differences should not be a sole basis for people to judge one's character and productivity. Just like individual dwarfs, they also need opportunities to prove themselves and also to survive in this world. They should be supported not mocked for they also have the right to live normally in this average-sized world.