A Brief History of Positive Psychology and Its Application to Disability
Abstract
Abstract Historically, disability has not been conceptualized within the context of strengths and positive attributes. This chapter briefly recalls the history of how disability has been understood and the consequences of such understandings in the lives of disabled people. The chapter discusses the complexity inherent in the notion of disability and the perceived lack of heterogeneity among and between people with disabilities, noting that the universal experiences of people with disabilities have been discrimination and marginalization. We then trace the emergence of the application of positive psychology to disability across several disciplines.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Disability Rights and Representation
Disability Education and Employment
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Oxford University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 15–26
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter