Perceptions of wellness from adults with mobility impairments

Abstract

There is limited information available concerning the perceptions of adults with mobility impairments regarding wellness. The purpose of the present qualitative study was to describe the perceptions of wellness from adults with mobility impairments utilizing phenomenological-heuristic inquiry. The grand tour question was, How do mobility impaired adults perceive wellness? Eight individuals agreed to participate and were interviewed. Six core themes emerged in relation to the perception of wellness from adults with mobility impairments: overcoming barriers, pain management, psychological wellness, physical activity and nutrition, social connectedness and family support, and spirituality. The number of people with mobility impairments is on the rise. As a result, counselors and counselor educators regardless of their fields will be asked to provide services and/or educational instruction to clients and students with various types of disabilities at some point during their careers (Smart & Smart, 2006). Implications for current and future counselors and counselor educators as well as suggestions for future research were presented.