Eudaimonic well-being in individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disability

Subjective well-being research in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) has a large hedonic focus and eudaimonic well-being is understudied in this population. Knowledge on eudaimonic well-being of individuals with ID is however necessary to improve their experienced well-being and support t...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research in developmental disabilities 2022-09, Vol.128, p.104273-104273, Article 104273
Main Authors: van Herwaarden, Aniek, Peters-Scheffer, Nienke, Didden, Robert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Eudaimonia
Flourishing
Intellectual disability
Qualitative Research
Well-being
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Subjective well-being research in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) has a large hedonic focus and eudaimonic well-being is understudied in this population. Knowledge on eudaimonic well-being of individuals with ID is however necessary to improve their experienced well-being and support them in leading meaningful and flourishing lives. The current study adopted a qualitative design to examine whether and how people with ID experience elements of eudaimonic well-being. Eleven adults with mild to moderate ID participated in individual semi-structured interviews about their subjective well-being. Interviews with their relatives and their direct support providers were conducted to contextualize the data. By means of an interpretative phenomenological analysis, social relationships, accomplishment, purpose and balance, individuality, autonomy, and growth could be identified as relevant elements of eudaimonic well-being. Eudaimonic well-being of individuals with ID seemed to be mediated by acceptance of others. The results provide insight in eudaimonic indicators of well-being, expanding the current view on well-being in individuals with ID. Efforts to use these elements in the care and support for individuals with ID are discussed. •Elements of eudaimonic well-being are relevant for individuals with ID.•Purpose in life is an important new indicator of well-being in persons with ID.•Individuals with ID are battling negative stereotypes, preventing them to flourish.•Dimensions of Ryff’s framework of well-being are applicable to people with ID.•People with ID should be enabled to engage in small, daily eudaimonic activities.
ISSN:0891-4222
1873-3379
DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104273