Disability and mental health

People with disabilities have a higher prevalence of psychological distress than individuals without disabilities, with variability in prevalence rates seen as a function of social status (e.g., socioeconomic status, age, and gender) and differing degrees of social marginalization. This has directed research attention to the question of how being a part of a social devalued group (i.e., experiencing ableism) impacts the mental health of those with disabilities. Yet many people do not experience discrete disabilities; having comorbid physical, psychological, and/or intellectual conditions can exacerbate the experience of ableism on mental health. Additional research using a variety of methods is needed to more clearly document the lived, intersectional experiences of people with multiple disabilities.