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Psychological acceptance mediates the impact of the behaviour problems of children with intellectual disability on fathers' psychological adjustment
- Authors:
- MACDONALD Elaine E., HASTINGS Richard P., TITZSIMONS Elaine
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23(1), January 2010, pp.27-37.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Ninety-nine fathers of 67 boys and 32 girls with intellectual disability, between 6 and 18 years of age, participated in a questionnaire study. Psychological acceptance of difficult/negative emotions and thoughts associated with interactions with the child with intellectual disability were measured alongside ratings of the child's behaviour problems and paternal negative (stress, anxiety, depression) and positive ('positive gain') well-being. Psychological acceptance was found to partially mediate the impact of child behaviour problems on paternal stress, anxiety, and depression. Acceptance was also a positive predictor of fathers' perceptions of positive gain associated with raising their child with intellectual disability. However, it could not function as a potential mediator of positive gain in the present research because fathers' ratings of their child's behaviour problems were not associated with paternal positive gain. Implications for practice include the potential of acceptance-based interventions, and other psychological interventions targeting acceptance and avoidance processes (e.g. mindfulness-based approaches), to positively affect paternal psychological adjustment.
Irish attitudes to sexual relationships and people with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, LEAVEY Gerry
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(3), 2013, pp.181-188.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Limited progress has been made in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to form intimate relationships. A critical factor that has been rarely researched is the attitude of the general public which likely has a significant influence on public policy on this issue. Unique to Ireland, are the five-yearly national surveys commissioned by the National Disability Authority that recruit representative samples of over 1000 adult persons. On three occasions in the past 10 years, respondents were asked to rate their agreement that people with various disabilities and with mental health difficulties had the right to fulfilment through sexual relationships and to have children if they wished. Secondary analysis of the 2011 data set identified those persons who were more likely to be in agreement and also the concerns raised by respondents. The findings are discussed in relation to priorities for future research and actions needed to reduce the stigma associated with disability or mental ill health. (Publisher abstract)
Exploring fathers’ perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome
- Authors:
- O'HALLORAN Maeve, SWEENEY John, DOODY Owen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 17(3), 2013, pp.198-213.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This study explores Irish fathers’ perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome (AS). Ethical approval was granted by the service provider, and Husserlian phenomenological approach facilitated the exploration. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of nine fathers in the West region of Ireland. Data were transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method. The study highlighted that parenting a child with AS is an arduous task, but while there are difficulties, many positive aspects to their parenting experience were reported. Overall, the study highlights the importance of listening to parents and their initial concerns regarding their child’s development. (Publisher abstract)