Analyzing the relationship between ableist microaggressions and well-being in a cross-sectional sample of adults with varied disabilities.

BACKGROUND

In prior research ableist microaggressions have correlated with higher measures of psychological distress. However, research has not yet examined the relationship between ableist microaggressions and well-being as measured not merely by the absence of distressing mental health symptoms, but rather about effective functioning and flourishing.

OBJECTIVE

The present study addressed this gap by analyzing the relationship between ableist microaggressions and well-being and assessing if different coping strategies moderate the relationship in a sample of adults with varied disabilities.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with (n = 132) adults who self-identified as having a health condition that significantly impacts one or more major life activities. Participants were recruited online to complete a Qualtrics survey of measures of well-being, ableist microaggressions, coping, and depression symptoms.

RESULTS

Ableist microaggression scores did not significantly predict well-being. Depression scores and disability visibility predicted well-being. In planned exploratory post-hoc analyses, those who endorsed having a more visible disabilities reported experiencing statistically significant more ableist microaggressions and statistically significant higher well-being scores than those endorsing less visible disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with prior literature, depression scores predicted lower well-being. Participants with more visible disabilities reported experiencing more ableist microaggressions and also endorsed higher well-being. This research supports that depression and well-being are independent constructs. Further research needs to examine factors such as, positive disability identity, connection to the disability community, and disability pride, that might contribute to why those with more visible disabilities experience more ableist microaggression while also endorsing higher levels of well-being.