Psychological wellbeing of adolescents with physical disabilities in inclusive community settings

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological wellbeing of adolescents with physical disabilities living in inclusive community settings in Zimbabwe. An inclusive community is one that aims to remove exclusionary practice within the community and promote community's systems that accept all people, regardless of their differences. A constructivist lived experience perspective underpinned this research, in which the researcher used multiple case studies to interact with the participants about their inclusion and psychological wellbeing as adolescents with physical disabilities. The 14 participants (nine males and five females) were purposively sampled. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. Four themes emerged from the inductive thematic analysis of data sources. It was found that participants in this study were involved in various inclusive community activities available within their communities. The study also found that parent, the government, the community and donor communities were working together towards improving the lives of adolescents with physical disabilities in the communities in which they live. These stakeholders assumed different roles, such as providing disability awareness education, vocational counselling, and inclusive infrastructure and resources. The study also found that the participants encountered environmental restrictions in choosing inclusion activities in which to participate in their communities. The findings of this study have the potential to help the policy makers and researchers in inclusive communities to better understand the needs of adolescents with physical disabilities living in these communities. Furthermore, the current research has the potential to guide future research and develop future initiatives to improve the psychological wellbeing of adolescents with physical disabilities, thus improving their outcomes and quality of life.