The Relationship of Spiritual Well-Being to Quality of Life in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This study explored and described how adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities perceive the significance of their spiritual well-being in relation to their quality of life. Specifically, the relationship between perceived spiritual well-being and quality of life; the difference gender and living situations have on these variables; and the understanding and relevance individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities give these two variables was examined. To answer the research questions, this study utilized a mixed methods sequential explanatory design, consisting of a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase. From a quantitative design framework: Phase One utilized associated theories of spirituality and quality of life, along with two standardized questionnaires that were administered to a total of 50 adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities living in both urban and rural areas of Alaska. Next: Phase Two utilized a qualitative framework consisting of unstructured, in-depth interviews, participant observation and document reviews involving 15 adults who were a subset of the study sample population. The findings from this research revealed that a significant positive relationship exists between perceived spiritual well-being and quality of life in adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The qualitative phase provided additional data adding depth and breadth to understanding the significant positive relationship found in the quantitative phase. Five overarching themes emerged from the qualitative data collected that provided a context for understanding the significant positive relationship found between participants’ spiritual well-being and quality of life. The emergent themes were: framework for life; identity; sense of inner well-being; opportunity to contribute; and sense of connectedness. The results of the study suggest that adult individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities across genders and living situations, perceive spirituality as an important aspect of life and overall well-being and that most perceive their spiritual needs to be as important as needs in other areas of life. Study findings produced both disability related theoretical implications and service planning and practice policy implications.