Interdependence Boosts Well-Being for Disabled Adults Post-COVID
Publication Title: “Just Getting Along, Together”: The Relationship Between Narratives of Interdependence and Psychological Well-Being Among American Adults With Disabilities During the First 3 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Summary
- Question
- This study examined how the theme of interdependence in personal narratives influenced the psychological well-being of American adults with disabilities during the first three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers aimed to explore whether narrating experiences with interdependence—a concept emphasizing mutual reliance and shared support—was associated with better or worse mental health outcomes over time.
- Why it Matters
- Understanding how interdependence impacts well-being is crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities, especially during periods of social upheaval like the COVID-19 pandemic. People with disabilities were disproportionately affected by the pandemic due to heightened health risks and societal marginalization. This research offers insights into how storytelling and identity formation can influence mental health and highlights the value of mutual support systems, which may challenge societal norms that prioritize independence over collective care.
- Methods
- The study followed 108 adults with disabilities in the United States from 2020 to 2022. Participants completed annual surveys that included well-being questionnaires and open-ended prompts to write about their experiences, such as high and low points during the pandemic. A total of 952 narratives were analyzed for themes like interdependence, independence, dependence, and social connection. Researchers used multilevel statistical modeling to explore how these narrative themes related to changes in well-being over time.
- Key Findings
- The study found that the relationship between interdependence and psychological well-being shifted over time. In 2020, higher levels of interdependence in personal narratives were linked to lower well-being, possibly due to pandemic restrictions limiting opportunities for mutual support. By 2022, however, higher interdependence was associated with better well-being, as societal conditions allowed for more interpersonal and community engagement. Additionally, narratives emphasizing disconnection were consistently linked to poorer well-being throughout the study.
- Implications
- These findings suggest that interdependence, while typically beneficial for people with disabilities, may only support well-being when external conditions allow for its practical expression. This underscores the need for policies and social structures that facilitate mutual support and accessibility, particularly during crises. The study also highlights the importance of shifting societal values to recognize the benefits of interdependence over strict independence.
- Next Steps
- Future research should examine how interdependence functions in other marginalized groups and during different societal contexts. Studies could also explore interventions that promote interdependent living and their potential to improve well-being for people with disabilities. Additionally, researchers should investigate how cultural narratives about independence influence personal identity and mental health across diverse populations.
- Funding Information
- This research was supported by funding from the Yale School of Public Health and the Yale University COVID-19 Rapid Response Pilot Gift awarded to Katie Wang. Yale University also provided funding and support for this research.
Full Citation
Adler J, Manning R, Pieterse K, Cowan H, Bogart K, Lowe S, Nario-Redmond M, Ostrove J, Wang K. “Just Getting Along, Together”: The Relationship Between Narratives of Interdependence and Psychological Well-Being Among American Adults With Disabilities During the First 3 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology 2026, 130: 109-128. PMID: 40742779, DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000571.
This AI-assisted summary has been reviewed and approved by at least one of the study's authors to ensure it accurately reflects the research.
Authors
Jonathan M. Adler
First AuthorKatie Wang, PhD
Last AuthorAssociate Professor Term
Additional Yale School of Medicine Authors
Other Authors
Research Themes
Concepts
- Psychological Well-Being;
- Results of multilevel modeling analyses;
- Well-being;
- Associated with psychological well-being;
- Within-person analyses;
- Multilevel modeling analyses;
- American adults;
- Associated with lower levels;
- Levels of well-being;
- Narrative themes;
- Within-person;
- Interdisciplinary field of disability studies;
- Psychological research;
- Narrative prompts;
- Unusual associations;
- Disability;
- Field of disability studies;
- Model analysis;
- COVID-19 pandemic;
- Adults;
- Disconnection;
- Interdisciplinary field;
- People;
- Disability studies;
- Association