Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Perspectives of Adults without Disabilities on their Friendships with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental
Cynde Katherine Josol1, Marisa H Fisher1, Lindsay S Athamanah2
1Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Friendships contribute to positive social outcomes such as the promotion of prosocial behaviors and social well-being and can lead to an overall healthy quality of life. Despite the importance of friendships, little is known about how individuals without disabilities develop and maintain friendships with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Using a phenomenological research design, the current study explored the lived experiences of 17 adults without disabilities who discussed the development and maintenance of their friendship with an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and subsequently collaborative, open coding was used to identify codes and themes across participants. Three main themes emerged related to 1) factors that facilitated friendship development; 2) factors that contributed to friendship maintenance; and 3) impacts of the friendship for both individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Implications of the results are discussed as well as future directions for research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Intellectual Disability
Friendships and Close Friendships
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Relationship Growth
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination

