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Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology pp 175–188Cite as

Disability and Positive Psychology

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Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 7))

Abstract

Positive psychology refers to the pursuit of understanding optimal human functioning and well-being. Disability is, alternatively, typically understood to refer to deficient human functioning. As such, disability and positive psychology would seem to be incompatible constructs; optimal human functioning versus deficient human functioning. In this chapter, disability is framed in a modern paradigm within typical human functioning that obviates the apparent incompatibility of disability and positive psychology. The emerging body of literature on positive psychology and disability is examined, with a particular focus on the role of self-determination in promoting optimal human functioning and well-being for people with disability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 3136, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    Michael L. Wehmeyer Ph.D. & Karrie A. Shogren

Authors
  1. Michael L. Wehmeyer Ph.D.
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  2. Karrie A. Shogren
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Correspondence to Michael L. Wehmeyer Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology & Child Development, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA

    Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti

  2. Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Lisa M. Edwards

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Wehmeyer, M.L., Shogren, K.A. (2014). Disability and Positive Psychology. In: Teramoto Pedrotti, J., Edwards, L. (eds) Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 7. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8654-6_12

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