A Proposed Framework for Using the Life-Coaching Process to Enhance the Quality of Life of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study

摘要

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often find themselves excluded from community participation due to environmental barriers, especially stigma. These barriers can negatively affect their psychological well-being and quality of life. Life-coaching as a short-term and action-prone process can increase goal attainment in various life-domains and lead to enhanced quality of life. Nevertheless, to date, few life-coaching interventions have targeted individuals with IDD. This case study article aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a conceptual framework for practicing life-coaching with individuals with IDD, by describing two cases of individuals with IDD who participated in a life-coaching intervention. Life-coaching, based on the proposed framework, can be a potential intervention to enhance the capability set, self-determination skills, and overall quality of life of people with IDD. It appears that in order for the life-coaching process to successfully address psychosocial aspects of the quality of life concept among people with IDD, it must be tailored to their needs and competences.