A Flourishing Quality of Life Amidst Disability

Abstract

Theological reflection can benefit from including the experiences of people with disability and paying attention to people at the margins. Similarly, empirical research focusing on understanding and improving quality of life—even amidst serious disability—can benefit from engaging theologically. The purpose of this article is to explore the definition of a flourishing quality of life by integrating these often disconnected discourses. We begin with a summary of the empirical literature on family quality of life (FQOL) as one approach to define flourishing. Next, we provide an overview and summary of the major methods and assumptions of empirical research that expose its limits. Finally, onto this landscape of empirical research we offer theological contributions to flourishing by highlighting the pivotal role of relationship with God. Specifically, we offer a theologically informed, three-sphered definition of faith that goes beyond merely what one believes. We then offer a theologically informed model of relational depth with God that is supported by theoretical and empirical findings in social science literature. The goal for integrating these scholarly discourses is ultimately to better understand and more effectively improve the quality of life for all people, including those with disabil]ity.

Keywords:

• Empirical methodology
• family quality of life
• flourishing
• intellectual disability
• theological reflection

Notes

1 All Bible quotations are from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.

2 While marriage can be considered a relationship created by choice, the intensity of the bond governed by a marriage covenant puts it within a more intensive relational context better described as a family bond.