Experienced Protective Factors While Growing up With Reading Disability

• Published in: Learning disability quarterly Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 173 - 187
• Main Authors: Aro, Tuija, Rossi, Mari-Lotta, Paakkari, Leena, Torppa, Minna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.08.2025; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Content analysis; Individual Characteristics; Interviews; Learning; People with disabilities; Reading Difficulties; Reading disabilities; Social Environment; Social factors; reading disability; experiences of protective factors; adulthood
• ISSN: 0731-9487; 2168-376X
• DOI: 10.1177/07319487241302309

We studied lifelong factors that were experienced as protective by 48 Finnish adults (20–39 years) whose reading disability (RD) was diagnosed in childhood. Our aim was to gain a better understanding of the factors that can help individuals live with RD. We used semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. Three main themes were identified: Factors Supporting Personal Development (four subthemes), Factors Supporting Social Well-being and Belonging (two subthemes), and Factors Supporting Learning (two subthemes). Our findings emphasize that in addition to an individual’s personal attributes and personal development, several protective factors can be identified from the acceptive and safe social environment, and social relationships. Besides, flexible and individual support for learning in school can make a difference. These findings can guide the planning and provision of the appropriate personal, social, and practical learning support, and they have implications for future studies on protective factors among individuals with RD.