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Thriving for Adolescents With Intellectual Disability: A Photo-Elicitation Qualitative Study
Annie S Mills1, Teresa Sellitto1, Dallas D Sorken2
1Psychology Department, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
There has been a shift in recent decades towards studying the strengths of people with intellectual disability to promote wellbeing. This study developed a conceptualisation of thriving specific to adolescents with intellectual disability.
Method:
A photo-elicitation qualitative design was used. Participants were 12 adolescents (ages 12-19) with a diagnosis of intellectual disability and their parents. Adolescents and their parents separately chose photos demonstrating thriving for the adolescent. Semi-structured interviews were conducted.
Results:
Reflexive thematic analysis was used. Five core themes that interact and contribute to thriving were developed: Enjoying Life, Developing, Having a Positive Sense of Self, Connecting, and Mattering. Parents also identified the importance of adolescents being Safe & Supported.
Conclusions:
This thriving framework can serve as a guiding template for community supports and future quantitative research studies for adolescents with intellectual disability.
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