Examining cognitive accessibility of the VIA Inventory of Strengths for adults with intellectual disability

Background

We evaluated cognitive accessibility of the VIA Inventory of Strengths Youth short form with adults with intellectual disability for use in strengths-based practice.

Methods

We conducted cognitive testing with adults with intellectual disability (n = 33; M age = 36.2; range: 20.4–64.2). Data were coded for the extent to which (1) items were interpreted correctly; (2) participants endorsed items as describing themselves. We calculated descriptive statistics to evaluate item interpretation and response scale use.

Results

On average, 59% of participants interpreted items correctly, 20% misinterpreted items, 14% had mixed interpretations. Positive item endorsement was most associated with the response ‘Very much like me’ (77%); mixed endorsement was most associated with ‘Somewhat like me’ (39%); and negative endorsement of items was most associated with ‘Not at all like me’ (54%).

Conclusions

Revisions are necessary for several items to improve accessibility for adults with intellectual disability and should be made in collaboration with this population.