Understanding resilience in people with intellectual disabilities Towards a new perspective in care

This dissertation provides a better understanding of the processes of resilience in people with ID from multiple perspectives: from the perspective of people with ID themselves, their social networks, and scientific researchers. To achieve this goal, systematic literature reviews, a survey (during the first wave of COVID), a guided photovoice procedure with people with ID, semi-structured interviews with informants from the social networks of people with ID, and a Delphi study amongst an international expert panel, were conducted.
Based on all results an overview of sources of resilience was constructed that are important in the care for people with intellectual disabilities. Internal sources of resilience were characteristics and skills within a person: acceptance, autonomy, beautiful memories, perseverance, physical wellbeing, positive emotions, social skills and spirituality. External sources of resilience were found in the environment or network of participants: activities, home, social network and the opportunity to speak out against injustice.
It is suspected that in mainstream society these sources of resilience are less accessible to people with ID. Based on all the findings, a proposal is given on a dynamic concept and definition of resilience. Seven guidelines are constructed based on this definition of resilience. It is suggested that this definition can contribute to a resilient community that facilitates positive development.