Makna Kebersyukuran Dalam Kehidupan Penyandang Disabilitas Fisik : Studi Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

People with physical disabilities often encounter physical, social, and psychological challenges that may lead to emotional distress, limitations in daily activities, and social stigma. Despite these difficulties, some individuals develop and maintain a sense of gratitude in their lives. Understanding this phenomenon is important for expanding knowledge regarding positive psychological adaptation among people with disabilities. This study aimed to explore the meaning of gratitude in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological method was employed. The study was conducted in Tulungagung Regency, East Java, Indonesia, involving four participants with physical disabilities selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using phenomenological analysis to identify the essential themes of participants’ lived experiences. The findings revealed that gratitude emerged through several interconnected experiences: (1) life experiences and challenges related to disability conditions, (2) external support from family, friends, and the social environment, (3) involvement in meaningful activities and work, and (4) spiritual meaning-making processes that fostered self-acceptance, sincerity, and gratitude. Participants perceived gratitude not merely as a positive emotion but also as an attitude reflected in accepting their condition, maintaining life motivation, and caring for others. These findings contribute to the literature on positive psychology by demonstrating that gratitude serves as an important psychological resource for enhancing emotional well-being and constructing meaningful lives among individuals with physical disabilities.