How transactional relations contribute to adaptive developmental outcomes when young people with disabilities participate in specially designed group programs − a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Meta-synthesis can enhance our existing knowledge regarding experiences of participation in group-based programs designed for young people with disabilities.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the transactional relations between the social contexts in group programs and meaningful personal experiences and developmental processes for young people with disabilities.

Method

For this research, 4 electronic data-bases were searched, 3406 citations were reviewed, and 13 qualitative studies describing experiences of participation in specially designed group-based programs from the perspective of young people with disabilities were included. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise the data, and resulting categories were conceptualised in King et al.’s framework of transactional processes and adaptive development.

Results

Nineteen categories across six themes describing: environment, social context, social mechanisms, personal processes, meaningful experiences, and outcomes demonstrated the dynamic interrelation between social context and personal processes. Peer group interaction was essential for exploring capacities and developing strategies.

Conclusion

This review highlights the important role of the peer group in transferring program experiences into the everyday life contexts of young people with disabilities. It may assist professionals who are considering the use of peer groups when planning participation-focussed programs aiming to facilitate personal development for young people with disabilities.

Keywords:

• Adolescence
• meaningful experiences
• participation
• peer interactions
• self-understanding
• young adults

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the librarians at the University of Oslo medical library for helping to adjust the scoping review search to meet the unique requirements of each database.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).