Assessment in the Application of Positive Psychology to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of strengths-based approaches to understanding human functioning. However, just as deficits-based models have dominated the fields of psychology and disability so have deficit-based assessments. Assessment tools utilized in the intellectual disability field have emphasized the quantification of deficits, typically deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, rather than the identification of strengths. Assessing only deficits in functioning reinforced the focus on remediation and "fixing problems", rather than identifying and building on strengths and assets. Central to implementing a strengths-based approach is having strengths-based assessment tools that can be used to identify and build upon personal strengths to promote personal growth and outcomes. Thus, a central focus of the operationalization of new paradigms within positive psychology and disability has been the development of new assessment approaches that are strengths-based and enable the identification of strengths, abilities, values, interests, and preferences to guide intervention to enhance valued personal outcomes. This chapter highlights emerging directions in positive psychological assessment and discusses specific applications in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities with a focus on strengths-based assessments that have been developed and used with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)