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Examining the Predictors of Life Satisfaction in College Students With Intellectual Disability
Emily K Van Gaasbeek1, Marc J Tassé1
1Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|February 19, 2026
Summary
A sense of belonging is crucial for the life satisfaction of college students with intellectual disability (ID) in inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs. This feeling significantly impacts their well-being, even more than mental health symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Special Education
- Higher Education
Background:
- Inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs are expanding for young adults with intellectual disability (ID).
- Limited research exists on the psychological well-being of these students in college settings.
- This study focuses on the psychological experiences of college students with ID in IPSE programs at 4-year American institutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological experiences of college students with ID in IPSE programs.
- To examine the predictive role of belongingness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms on life satisfaction.
- To understand factors influencing the well-being of students with ID in higher education.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 129 college students with ID across 21 IPSE programs in the US.
- Participants reported on mental health symptoms, sense of belonging, and life satisfaction.
- Programme staff (n=21) provided contextual information about their respective IPSE programs.
Main Results:
- Significant gender, residential status, and mental health service access differences were found in life satisfaction and anxiety levels.
- Hierarchical regression analysis showed belongingness significantly predicted life satisfaction.
- Sense of belonging accounted for an additional 12.5% of the variance in life satisfaction, beyond demographic and mental health factors.
Conclusions:
- College students with ID in IPSE programs report high rates of mental health symptoms.
- A strong sense of belonging is a key factor associated with higher life satisfaction for these students.
- Findings highlight the importance of fostering belongingness to improve the psychological well-being of students with ID in college.
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