Quality of Life of Iranian Vocational Students with and without Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to compare the attitudes of individuals with and without intellectual disability toward their quality of life. Associations between demographic variables such as sex, age, father's education, and father's occupation and quality of life were also assessed. 40 people with intellectual disability from special schools were matched with 40 people from Shiraz Vocational Teaching Center on sex, age, and fathers' careers and educations. There was no significant difference between the two groups on total Quality of Life scores, but differences were found in subscales. The groups with intellectual disability reported higher scores on the dimensions of life satisfaction, competency/productivity, and social belongingness/community integration. The normal group scored higher on empowerment/independence. In the intellectual disability group, the father's career was a better predictor of quality of life.