The tragedy of promising happiness through overcoming disability (Dr Olivia Dahl)

The tragedy of promising happiness through overcoming disability (Dr Olivia Dahl)

From The ResearchWorks Podcast by Dr Dayna Pool and Dr Ashleigh Thornton

May 30, 2026 · 44 min · Season 6 · Episode 296

About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of promising happiness through overcoming disability, based on interviews with adults with cerebral palsy.

Abstract This article explores the often-overlooked tragedy of promising happiness through overcoming disability. It draws on qualitative interviews and focus groups with 36 adults with cerebral palsy to explore how medical discourse shapes the ways in which individuals are encouraged to pursue a good life, leading to unintended consequences. Sara Ahmed's theory of happiness is used to understand the dialectics of pursuing a good life through overcoming disability, revealing how medical...

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr Dayna Pool, Dr Ashleigh Thornton

Guest: Dr Olivia Dahl

Topics covered

  • disability
  • happiness
  • medical discourse
  • cerebral palsy
  • qualitative research

Keywords

  • disability
  • happiness
  • cerebral palsy
  • medical discourse
  • qualitative interviews

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The tragedy of promising happiness through overcoming disability

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