Browsing by Author "Holm, Laura"

Objectives. The purpose of this case study was to gather information about quality of life and happiness in people with intellectual disabilities. The study was examined the meaning of different contexts and relationships to the quality of life and happiness of people with intellectual disabilities. The study was also examined how women and their mothers are experiencing well-being. Studies in the past have shown that happiness does not differ significantly from happiness of the majority, but the rate of happiness is slightly higher in people with intellectual disabilities. Self-determination, choices, safety and health are the most important factors in the quality of life in people with intellectual disabilities. Methods. The data were collected from three women with intellectual disabilities and their mothers via semi structured interviews. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with the tables which were created by two main theories of the study: quality of life theory by Schalock etc. (2002) and theory of subjective well-being by Diener and Lucas (1999). Results and conclusions. A map of relationships and a map of contexts were created for each woman. The study also examined experienced well-being. There are significant variation between women's quality of life and happiness. The findings indicate that an individual's way of life has a prominent impact to experienced quality of life and happiness. Meaningful life is a key to a good and happy life.