Poster Presentation 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

Resilience Among Individuals With Locomotor Disability Using Case Study Approach (#787)

Shikha Ms Soni 1 , Amrita Dr Deb 1
  1. Indian Institute of Technology, Kandi Campus, Hyderabad, TELANGANA, India

Locomotor disability is a condition where difficulty in physical movement leads to psychological distress. As per the 2011 census, 2.21% of the Indian population suffers from physical disability. Two major causes of disability in India are polio and injuries other than burns (National Sample Survey Office, 2003). This paper uses case study approach in exploring resilience among individuals with locomotor disability. The participants included SU (female, age 29) suffering from right side paralysis from polio developed in infancy and DH (male, age 31) with below knee amputation in one leg caused due to an accident at the age of 29. McAdam’s Life story (1985) approach was used to explore resilience. In this technique, narrating life events results in redemption wherein an affectively negative experience leads to an emotionally positive outcome. The results revealed the presence of internal and external protective factors and positive outcomes in personal and professional domains, on the basis of which they were described as resilient. Interpersonal relationships were the most vital protective factors followed by engagement in social work. through which the clients were able to make a difference in the lives of others. Future research may utilize these findings in the development of suitable interventions.