The Positive Psychology of Personal Factors: Implications for Understanding Disability

Historically,interventions for disabled people were based on deficit models. The introduction of the WHO frameworks, particularly the ICF, shifted the focus to a social-ecological model of disability, emphasizing the impact of personal factors on activities and participation. Understanding Disability explores personal factors from positive psychology to promote strengths-based approaches for the full participation, dignity, and well-being of disabled people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Historically, interventions aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities were rooted in deficit-based models of disability. However, this perspective began to shift with the introduction of World Health Organization (WHO) frameworks, notably the International Classification of Function (ICF), which emphasized that disability could only be fully understood in the context of interactions among health, environmental factors, and personal factors, and by examining the impact of these factors on a person's activities and participation. The ICF recognized personal factors as integral components of a social-ecological model of disability but did not offer a comprehensive taxonomy of what constitutes such factors.

Understanding Disability delves into personal factors derived from the field of positive psychology, with the aim of identifying and developing strengths-based approaches to promoting the full participation, dignity, and well-being of disabled individuals.

In the past, disability was often viewed as a problem or limitation that needed to be addressed and corrected. However, the ICF shifted the focus towards understanding disability as a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction of various factors, including personal characteristics, environmental conditions, and societal attitudes.

The ICF identified personal factors as key elements in a social-ecological model of disability. These factors include cognitive abilities, physical abilities, sensory abilities, emotional and mental health, social relationships, and environmental supports. Each of these factors plays a unique role in shaping an individual's disability experience and can have a significant impact on their ability to participate in activities and engage with their community.

Understanding Disability aims to explore these personal factors in greater detail and develop strategies for promoting the full participation, dignity, and well-being of disabled individuals. It recognizes that disability is not a static condition but a dynamic process that can be influenced by various factors throughout an individual's life. By building on strengths and addressing barriers, individuals with disabilities can achieve their full potential and participate actively in their communities.

One of the key concepts in Understanding Disability is the idea of person-centered care. This approach emphasizes the importance of treating individuals with disabilities as unique individuals with their own set of strengths, needs, and goals. It involves working collaboratively with individuals and their families to develop personalized care plans that prioritize their abilities and support their participation in activities and relationships.

Person-centered care also recognizes the importance of environmental supports and accommodations in promoting the full participation of individuals with disabilities. This includes access to appropriate technology, accessible transportation, and supportive housing that enables individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Understanding Disability also emphasizes the importance of social inclusion and participation. It recognizes that disabled individuals have valuable contributions to make to their communities and that social exclusion and discrimination can limit their opportunities and well-being. By promoting social inclusion and participation, individuals with disabilities can build meaningful relationships, develop their skills and knowledge, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

In addition to personal factors, Understanding Disability also examines the role of societal attitudes and beliefs in shaping disability. It recognizes that societal attitudes and beliefs can perpetuate discrimination and marginalization of individuals with disabilities and can limit their opportunities and well-being. By challenging societal attitudes and beliefs and promoting inclusive and equitable policies and practices, individuals with disabilities can achieve greater social recognition and acceptance.

Understanding Disability is a valuable resource for policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, and individuals with disabilities themselves. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding disability and developing strengths-based approaches to promoting the full participation, dignity, and well-being of disabled individuals. By building on the principles of person-centered care, environmental supports, social inclusion, and challenging societal attitudes and beliefs, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their disability status.

Weight: 617g
Dimension: 227 x 160 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793634658