Thriving with Down syndrome: A qualitative multiple case study

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. Prior research has primarily focused on associated medical problems and skill deficits. This study takes a novel positive psychology approach by examining critical individual characteristics and environmental factors that facilitate exceptional quality of life for people with DS.

A qualitative multiple case study design was used to document the lives of four adults thriving with DS. Thriving was defined as high subjective well-being coupled with continued personal development.

Descriptive contexts were provided for each case along with four overarching themes: a supportive social ecology, high expectations for independence, advocacy, and strengths facilitating happiness. A new conceptual framework for understanding thriving with DS was proposed.

These findings provide insight as to what is possible for people with DS, including ideas for future research and practice to promote thriving in the DS population.