ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses certain aspects of the interplay of severe physical defects and social-cultural adaptation. The most common of these defects are found in cases of endocrine imbalance, among cripples, among the totally and partially deaf, among the blind, and in those feeble-minded persons in whom the constitutional, especially hereditary, factors are rather clear-cut. The chapter discusses certain examples of the malfunctioning of the endocrines which appear to influence personality traits. It seems perfectly clear that persons afflicted with marked malfunctioning of the endocrines easily develop feelings of inferiority, with their consequent various means of compensation or other adjustment devices. The chapter describes the interplay of organic and social-cultural factors in the development of personal attitudes, ideas, and habits. As people everywhere change their views and beliefs about cripples, the deaf, the blind, the feeble-minded, the stutterers, and others with organic deficiencies, the personality organization of the handicapped will also change.
