Green Capes in All Sizes: Flourishing in Neurodivergent Intellectually Disabled Populations

Degree type
Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)
Graduate group
Discipline
Psychology
Subject
Positive psychology, interventions, flourishing, well-being, mattering, resilience, self-efficacy, belonging, neurodivergent, intellectual disability, dentistry, pediatric dentistry, desensitization
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Copyright date
2025
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Author
Blackburn, Leslie
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Abstract

This capstone investigates how positive psychology, through some of its key concepts like mattering, belonging, self-efficacy, and resilience, can support flourishing in individuals with neurodivergence and intellectual disability. It diverges from the deficit-focused frameworks which have historically been used with these populations by proposing a different way to conceptualize assistance. Through a two-part structure the paper repositions flourishing as not only possible, but deeply necessary for people often overlooked in well-being and flourishing research. Part I synthesizes existing literature to examine how green-cape skills, or those skills which build strengths and abilities, manifest in neurodivergent individuals, as well as those who have cognitive or mental challenges. Part II investigates whether these green-cape skills can help address real problems, such as dental fear and anxiety, by applying them in a practical dental intervention called the Staging Program. Drawing on mixed-method pilot quantitative data and inductive interview analysis, the paper demonstrates the efficacy of integrating positive psychology green-cape skill building into service settings for these marginalized populations. The findings suggest that deliberately nurturing green-cape skills not only enhances well-being, autonomy, and possibly flourishing, but may catalyze broader systemic shifts in how support is conceived and delivered. The paper advocates for a balanced, dignity-centered approach that affirms all individuals’ right to flourish.

Advisor
Haizlip, Julie
Date of degree
2025
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