German adaptation of the psychological well-being scale for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Several studies identified a lack of standardized assessment tools for measuring mental well-being among people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Especially psychological well-being (PWB) seems highly disregarded. Therefore, this study built an adapted instrument for the psychological well-being of people with IDD (SPWB-IDD). The new instrument was adapted from an original scale for PWB (SPWB). Adaptations were carried out by a focus group and interviews with experts of the disability field (Carer/Language/Psychologist). After all items (dimensions) have been assessed, people affected by an IDD performed User Tests to evaluate the SPWB-IDD. The data was analysed utilizing conventional content analysis. Environmental Mastery and Positive Relations with Others are the most important dimensions contributing to the PWB of the IDD population. Autonomy and Purpose in Life seem less relevant. Relevant items represent the need for a social support system and the importance of self-efficacy. Items were cut due to a lack of reflection and the institutional structure. Users with IDD found the SPWB-IDD relevant, applicable, and generally understandable. Overall, the adaptation of a SPWB provided a new PWB instrument tailored to the needs of people with IDD, as well as useful insights to expand the knowledge of PWB and IDD.