Thriving for Adolescents With Intellectual Disability: A Photo‐Elicitation Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Background There has been a shift in recent decades towards studying the strengths of people with intellectual disability to promote wellbeing. This study developed a conceptualisation of thriving specific to adolescents with intellectual disability. Method A photo‐elicitation qualitative design was used. Participants were 12 adolescents (ages 12–19) with a diagnosis of intellectual disability and their parents. Adolescents and their parents separately chose photos demonstrating thriving for the adolescent. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Results Reflexive thematic analysis was used. Five core themes that interact and contribute to thriving were developed: Enjoying Life , Developing , Having a Positive Sense of Self , Connecting, and Mattering . Parents also identified the importance of adolescents being Safe & Supported . Conclusions This thriving framework can serve as a guiding template for community supports and future quantitative research studies for adolescents with intellectual disability.