Disabilities and Loneliness Scoping Review - Graduate Certificate Project

The author of this study has examined the underlying themes of loneliness and isolation experienced by people living with disability through a sample size of 24 published papers that have been selected through the PRISMA-ScR framework and controlling for studies that went beyond a surface level rating of the feeling of loneliness to better understand the underlying causes and experiences of loneliness. Additional controls included noting the stakeholders and limitations of the papers to highlight discrepancies and potential biases. Thematic coding via NVivo 15 was performed using all 24 of the papers included to determine any overarching themes and relevant subthemes of any trends and patterns in how people with disabilities experience loneliness and isolation. Results of the thematic analysis have shown that many people with disabilities experience loneliness and isolation through the lens of three main themes, Barriers that Contribute to Isolation and Loneliness, Systems of Influence, and Sense of Belonging. People with disabilities will often find many barriers (physical, emotional, social, and communication) preventing them making connections with others and often find that there are Systems of Influence (Community, Relationships, and Self Advocacy) that leave them feeling powerless and that a Sense of Belonging can directly impact the level of isolation and loneliness that they feel.