Abstract:
BACKGROUND : The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological well-being of
adolescents with physical disabilities living in inclusive community settings of Makonde
Urban in Zimbabwe. An inclusive community is one that aims to remove exclusionary practices
within the community and promote community systems that accept all people irrespective of
their difference. Inclusive communities on their own are not uniquely designed for people
with disabilities, but most developing countries have adopted them as a basic strategy to
influence and enhance psychological well-being of people with disabilities.
METHODS : A constructivist lived experience perspective underpinned this research, in which
multiple case studies were used to interact with the participants on inclusion and psychological
well-being of adolescents with physical disabilities. Purposive sampling was used to select 14
participants (9 males and 5 females). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and
transcribed verbatim. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis of data sources.
RESULTS : It was found that participants who were adolescents with physical disabilities living
in inclusive community settings of Makonde Urban in Zimbabwe were having high levels of
autonomy and choice, purpose in life, positive relations with others and good personal growth
and self-acceptance.
Conclusion : The findings of this study should enable inclusive communities’ policy-makers
and researchers to better understand the psychological well-being of adolescents with physical
disabilities living in inclusive communities.
