The intellectual ableism of leisure research: Original considerations towards understanding well-being with and for people with intellectual disabilities

Campbell, Natalie ORCID: 0000-0003-3859-6607 (2021) The intellectual ableism of leisure research: Original considerations towards understanding well-being with and for people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 25 (1). pp. 82-97. doi:10.1177/1744629519863990

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Abstract

People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are considered to be one of the most marginalized, isolated and disenfranchised groups in society. However, recent social prescription intervention programmes are being introduced to enhance the physical and mental well-being of these individuals through participation in leisure activities, thus increasing academic interest in research within the area. This article introduces the theoretical and methodological tensions in applying mainstream scholarly thinking of leisure and well-being to people with IDs and argues that by failing to acknowledge and address such tensions scholars are at risk of demonstrating intellectual ableism. Layering Kleiber’s components of leisure over Seligman’s Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment concept of well-being, this article poses critical questions of how each contributing element of well-being could be reconceptualized for people with neurological diversities. The intersection of leisure, well-being and ID is ripe for research development; however, many studies in the domain are falling short of suitable theoretical discussion and methodological rigour. This article concludes with suggestions on how scholars can reduce intellectual ableism through inclusive design, methodological reporting, acknowledging bias and grappling theoretical dissonance.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Well-being Intellectual disabilities Leisure Positive Psychology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Natalie Campbell
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2019 14:39
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:07
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/7016

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