‘ I Know Death’: Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Death Among Middle‐Aged Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in South Korea

Journal article

Background: For adults with intellectual disabilities, their understanding of and preparation for death present unique challenges. This study explored how middle‐aged adults with intellectual disabilities perceive death. Method: Using purposive sampling, 21 middle‐aged adults with intellectual disabilities who had experienced parental bereavement were recruited for interviews. Results: Participants conveyed diverse interpretations and understandings of death. The reflective process deepened their emotional engagement with the concept and fostered acceptance of their mortality. They integrated the reflections into their life, striving to live with purpose and seek a fulfilling life. Conclusions: Study findings emphasise how death perceptions, both cognitive and emotional, shaped participants' attitudes towards mortality and influenced their approach to daily life. The resulting insights can inform the development of culturally tailored interventions that promote communication about death and dying while encouraging acceptance of mortality in later life.

Authors: Yi, J; Kim, MA; Lee, SY; Hwang, S; Park, C

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 2
• Article number: e70230
• Publication date: 2026-04-17
• Acceptance date: 2026-04-08
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.70230
• EISSN: 1468-3148
• ISSN: 1360-2322
• Language: English
• Keywords: South Korea; intellectual disabilities; middle‐aged adults; death perceptions