Predictors of life satisfaction in individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Published in: Journal of intellectual disability research 2008-12, Vol.52 (12), p.1039-1047
• Main Authors: Miller, S. M., Chan, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living - classification; Activities of Daily Living - psychology; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Biological and medical sciences; Correlation; Disabled people; Efficiency; Female; Humans; Intellectual deficiency; Intellectual Disability; Intellectual Disability - diagnosis; Intellectual Disability - psychology; Intellectual Disability - rehabilitation; Interpersonal Competence; Interpersonal Relations; Interviews; Learning disabilities; Leisure Activities; Leisure Time; Life Satisfaction; Life skills; Male; Medical sciences; Mental disorders; Mental Retardation; Middle Aged; Personal Autonomy; Predictor Variables; Productivity; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; psychosocial aspects of disability; Public Agencies; Quality of life; Quality of Life - psychology; Rating Scales; Regression analysis; Rehabilitation, Vocational; Self Determination; Selfdetermination; Skills; Social Support; Social Support Groups; Socialization; Studies; Wisconsin
• ISSN: 0964-2633; 1365-2788
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01106.x

Background  The purpose of this study was to examine factors that predict life satisfaction in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Two groups of variables were studied: life skills (interpersonal, instrumental and leisure) and higher‐order predictors (social support, self‐determination and productivity). Method  Fifty‐six participants with ID were recruited from two community agencies in Wisconsin. Data were collected using both a self‐report inventory, which was administered to each individual in an interview format, and a behaviour rating scale, which was completed by a knowledgeable staff member. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the data. Results  Both sets of variables were found to explain a significant amount of the variance in life satisfaction. Within the sets, social support and interpersonal skills were individually significantly associated with life satisfaction. Conclusion  It is hoped that the results of this study will help support providers organise services in such a way that maximises the life satisfaction of the consumers that they serve.