Pursuing Well-Being Among Rural-Dwelling Adults With Disabilities

• Published in: Qualitative health research 2019-10, Vol.29 (12), p.1699-1710
• Main Authors: Thurman, Whitney A., Harrison, Tracie C., Walker, Veronica G., Garcia, Alexandra A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Functional impairment; Grounded theory; Health care; Health technology assessment; Membership; People with disabilities; Qualitative research; Quality of life; Rural areas; Rural communities; Substantive theory; Well being
• ISSN: 1049-7323; 1552-7557
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732319829153

Through this constructivist grounded theory study, it was our purpose to create a substantive theory to explain how rural-dwelling, working-age adults with disabilities define and pursue well-being. Twelve rural-dwelling participants were interviewed up to 3 times to understand the processes involved in defining and pursuing well-being. From this exploration, we suggest that well-being is not a set state to be achieved and then enjoyed, rather well-being results from establishing and maintaining membership in the rural community. Membership facilitated access to the array of material and psychological supports needed for a sense of well-being. Findings support the assumption that urban models of care are insufficient for rural areas. This study also provides an understanding of how individuals in this population mobilize resources to overcome functional limitations and environmental barriers to establish group membership and create a sense of well-being. Implications for health care practice and policy are discussed.