Life Course and QOL of Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities in Australia, Denmark and Japan: Comparative Perspectives.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K14073
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 09060:Special needs education-related
• Research Institution: Ryukoku University
• Principal Investigator: Tatsuta Mizuho 龍谷大学, 社会学部, 講師 (50826154)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 知的障害 / ライフコース / Quality of life / 国際比較

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examined the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with intellectual disabilities living in Japan, Denmark, and Australia by tracing their life courses. It highlighted that having opportunities to build relationships not only with family and close supporters but also with friends and new acquaintances is crucial for QOL domains such as personal development and self-determination. Additionally, it revealed that differences in social systems and cultures across these countries impact the life course choices and QOL of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Particularly in Japan, where family members are the primary supporters, there is a tendency for relationships to remain limited, which can restrict opportunities for personal development and self-determination. The findings from this study contribute to improving the support environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Free Research Field

特別支援教育、障害福祉

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義は、異文化比較を通じて知的障害者のライフコースとQOLの関連性を明らかにした点にある。これにより、QOL研究における文化的要因の重要性を示し、各国の教育・支援環境が個人の成長や自己決定に与える具体的な影響を明らかにした。また、ライフヒストリーの聞き取りを通じて、知的障害者やその親の経験に基づくQOLの特徴や課題を提示した。本研究の社会的意義は、知的障害者のQOL向上に寄与する実践や政策への提言にある。他者との関係構築の重要性や、個人のニーズに応じた教育環境・社会参加の機会を増やす必要性を指摘した。