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oai:figshare.com:article/32637564 2026-10-01T16:49:38Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Me, my school and I: a reflexive thematic analysis of the self-perceptions of post primary pupils with moderate learning difficulties in specialist education Lára Rose Breslin (24167745) PUREID: 496313374 Social identity stigmatised identity self-perception special education moderate learning difficulties qualitative educational psychology The special educational need of ‘Moderate Learning Difficulties’ (MLD) is associated with a stigmatised social identity, which are generally thought to provoke unfavourable self-perceptions. However, pupils with ‘MLD’ in specialist education settings are generally observed to report favourable self-perceptions, leading researchers to wonder how MLD is internalised in such settings. This study employs reflexive thematic analysis with consideration to social identity. Semi-structured interviews of eight young people (aged 12-16 years) who attend specialist education settings were analysed in relation to their understanding of: (a) their individual self-perception (b) specialist school experience and (c) MLD-related labels with findings explored through generated themes per area. Overall participants demonstrated active participation in creating their sense of self and school experience. Findings indicated that MLD-related labels are not understood through a meaningful social identity, owing to the diversity by which it is understood. Participants expressed a general understanding of undesirable cognitive differences associated with labels and/ or themselves, which influenced self-perceptions. Implications for Educational Psychology in practice have been discussed with recommendations for special education service development.<br><br> 2026-10-01T16:49:38Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32637564.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Me_my_school_and_I_a_reflexive_thematic_analysis_of_the_self-perceptions_of_post_primary_pupils_with_moderate_learning_difficulties_in_specialist_education/32637564 All Rights Reserved