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Quality of life and relationships in sex offenders with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- STEPTOE Lesley, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 31(1), March 2006, pp.13-19.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Hayes (1991) and Day (1994) have developed hypotheses about the importance of social and developmental variables in the aetiology of sexual offences in offenders with intellectual disability. The present study is the first of its kind to investigate the perceived quality of life and relationships of sex offenders in comparison to an appropriate control group. A group of 28 sex offenders with intellectual disability (ID) were compared with 28 members of a control group of individuals with ID. All participants completed the Significant Others Scale (SOS) which assesses self-perceptions of potential and ideal support from significant others in the individual's life, and the Life Experience Checklist (LEC) which assesses experiences and opportunities across 5 living domains: home, leisure, freedom, relationships and opportunities. There were no differences between the groups on age and IQ. On the SOS there were no differences between the groups on the number of times each significant other was reported. Actual and ideal levels of support from both mother and father were lower for sex offenders than the control group. On the LEC, sex offenders reported lower scores on the relationships and leisure sections. Poorer relationships and little indication of any wish to change that state of affairs suggests lower levels of integration and identification with society for sex offenders compared with the control group.
Working for a change?
- Authors:
- JAHODA Andrew, BANKS Pauline, DAGNAN Dave
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 10(8), October 2010, pp.35-37.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Supported employment is a common route to work for people with learning disabilities. In theory, it involves careful job assessment to match individual’s strengths and wishes to potential jobs. This article provides an overview of a study which examined the impact of moving into supported employment on the quality of life and emotional well-being of people with learning disabilities. The 49 participants were recruited from 24 supported employment schemes in Scotland. They worked between 3 and 38 hours a week, with an average of 16 hours. Their jobs were mainly entry level posts in retail, catering, office/administration, factory and domestic work. A number of self-report measures were completed to examine whether there were any changes to the participants’ mental health, social lives, and quality of life when they started work. In addition, the participants took part in 2 semi-structured interviews; the first when they started supported employment and the second 9 months later. The results of the self-report measures showed no changes of note at follow-up. However, the semi-structured interviews provided insight into the participants’ perceptions of work and how their views about employment changed. The article concludes that there was little evidence of people with learning disabilities in work experiencing increased social interaction either within or outside of the work setting. Struggles with work can also raise people’s awareness of the limits of their abilities.
Predictors of life satisfaction in individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- MILLER S.M., CHAN F.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(12), December 2008, pp.1039-1047.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The purpose of this study was to examine factors that predict life satisfaction in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Two groups of variables were studied: life skills (interpersonal, instrumental and leisure) and higher-order predictors (social support, self-determination and productivity). Fifty-six participants with ID were recruited from two community agencies in Wisconsin. Data were collected using both a self-report inventory, which was administered to each individual in an interview format, and a behaviour rating scale, which was completed by a knowledgeable staff member. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the data. Both sets of variables were found to explain a significant amount of the variance in life satisfaction. Within the sets, social support and interpersonal skills were individually significantly associated with life satisfaction. It is hoped that the results of this study will help support providers organise services in such a way that maximises the life satisfaction of the consumers that they serve.
The nature of quality of life: a conceptual model to inform assessment
- Author:
- ALBORZ Alison
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(1), 2017, pp.15-30.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The phenomenon of quality of life (QoL) has been subject to ongoing debate and many models have been proposed. Over the latter half of the 20th century, QoL models have proliferated, particularly in relation to the population with intellectual disabilities (ID) which have arguably improved living conditions and helped to guard against abuse. While this is a complex phenomenon, there is agreement across a wide literature that QoL has two distinct aspects relating to the individual (whether disabled or not) and the resources necessary for a “good” QoL. Considerable support is also provided for a number of diverse but robust domains. However, how the “nature” of QoL is conceptualized is unclear. The article reviews multidisciplinary research on QoL and goes on to present a theoretical model of the nature of QoL that encompasses identified domains. The model is based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs (1987) which defines its scope; Sen's Capability Approach (1985), which elaborates the resource context impacting QoL; and Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory (2000), which describes person-context interactions important to personally valued QoL. This conceptualization was framed within four facets—Foundational well-being; Psychosocial well-being; Status; and Autonomy—each of which have two aspects: “individual,” describing personal needs that, when fulfilled, are associated with better QoL, and “context,” describing resources necessary to enable individual need fulfilment. The proposed QoL model demonstrates an intellectually lucid structure supported by literature. It does not attempt a definitive specification of all QoL constituents but proposes that delineation must be determined within the particular circumstances of a proposed assessment. Once determined, an exploratory approach to assessment is proposed. It is suggested this model represents a useful “atlas” on the nature of QoL to guide development of assessments aiming to inform service developments or interventions. (Publisher abstract)
How do people with learning disabilities experience and make sense of the ageing process?
- Authors:
- NEWBERRY Gayle, MARTIN Carol, ROBBINS Lorna
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 2015, pp.285-292.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This article draws on the first author's doctoral research study which explores how people with learning disabilities experience and make sense of the ageing process and old age. Materials and Methods: Seven people with learning disabilities aged 60 or more were interviewed, and their accounts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This approach allows the participant's lived experience to be explored in detail. Participants' accounts were analysed individually, followed by a group analysis. This article presents the results of the group analysis, illustrated by quotes from individuals. Results: The master themes arising from the group analysis were as follows: quality of relationships is central to enjoyment of life, including subthemes on the importance of affection and companionship, distress at lack of closeness and anxiety about ability to satisfy others; powerlessness; needing a sense of purpose; and making sense of getting older, including subthemes on reactions to changes with age, life review and looking to the future. Conclusions: Clinical implications of the findings include the need for services to support older people with learning disabilities in maintaining friendships and meaningful activities. This study demonstrates that some older people with learning disabilities can engage in a process of life review and raises the possibility that learning disability services could play a useful role in facilitating this process. Understanding of the ageing process varied between participants and tended towards a negative, stereotypical view of ageing. The findings suggest that people with learning disabilities could benefit from psychoeducation on the ageing process to aid them in making sense of the changes they experience as they get older. (Edited publisher abstract)
Emotional and tangible reciprocity in middle- and older-aged carers of adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- PERKINS Elizabeth A., HALEY William E.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(4), 2014, pp.334-344.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study investigates whether older carers of adult children with intellectual disabilities perceive emotional and tangible reciprocity in their relationships and the association between perceived reciprocity with quality of life. The authors surveyed 91 parental carers (aged 50+ years, mean = 60.8). Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regression analyses assessed the relationship between tangible and emotional reciprocity and carer quality of life variables (physical and mental health, depressive symptomatology, life satisfaction) and carers' desire for an alternative residential situation of their son/daughter. Overall, more tangible and emotional support was given than received from their adult children. However, despite varying levels of intellectual disability and functional impairments of their care recipient, carers did report receiving considerable support. Relative disadvantage (i.e., giving more than received) in tangible reciprocity was associated with increased depressive symptomatology and poorer mental health but also reduced desire for seeking an alternative residential situation for the person for whom they are caring. These relationships were attenuated after covariance analyses. Emotional reciprocity was not associated with any of the outcome measures. The results suggest that perceptions of reciprocity are relevant in caregiving for intellectual disability and may be an underappreciated asset in coping with caregiving. (Edited publisher abstract)
Characteristics, supports, and quality of life of Irish adults with intellectual disability in life-sharing residential communities
- Authors:
- FAHEY Aine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 35(2), June 2010, pp.66-76.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study aimed to compare quality and outcomes for residents with intellectual disability across intentional communities such as those organised by the Camphill communities. The Camphill movement aims to create communities in which vulnerable children and adults can live, learn and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual care and respect. A cross-sectional design was used to gather data about the personal characteristics, nature, and quality of residential supports provided to residents, and quality of life outcomes for 29 adults living in two Camphill life-sharing communities in the South East region of Ireland. Comparable data were available for 125 adults in group homes or campus residences. The results showed that supports for Camphill residents were of good quality, expressed in smaller size of household, higher staffing ratios, homely living areas, low levels of institutionalised practices such as social distance, reciprocal relationships with houseparents, and well-developed management procedures. Less choice and involvement were reported in Camphill relative to group homes, but it is possible that the measures applied did not capture the community approach to decision making. The findings suggest that the Camphill residents experience a particular pattern of quality of life benefits focused on reciprocal relationships with co-residents who offer support.
Quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: a review of the empirical research literature
- Authors:
- MAES Bea, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 32(3), September 2007, pp.163-178.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study provides an overview of empirical research on the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Through computerised searches of the PsycINFO and ERIC databases, and using several search criteria specifically relating to the target group and to the subject of this review, 16 studies were identified. The interventions described are targeted at the physical and material well-being, emotional well-being, social interactions, choices, and personal development of individuals with PIMD, but do not address community participation and rights. The majority of the studies report positive effects of the interventions on staff and/or client behaviour. However these effects should be interpreted with caution because of methodological and other considerations. It is concluded that current research gives only limited insight into the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with PIMD. To foster evidence-based practice, further studies of larger groups and with more robust designs are warranted. The potential differential effects associated with client characteristics and the context of the implementation should also be considered.
The BiLD life experiences checklist: manual
- Author:
- AGER Alastair
- Publisher:
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 1998
- Pagination:
- 31p., bibliog., checklists
- Place of publication:
- Kidderminster
The revised and updated BILD Life Experiences Checklist is widely used in a range of service settings to evaluate and measure improvements in home life, leisure, relationships, freedom and opportunities. Each assessment takes around 10 minutes to complete and no special expertise is needed.
'I get by with a little help from my friends': adults with intellectual disability discuss loneliness
- Authors:
- McVILLY Keith R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 19(2), June 2006, pp.191-203.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study explored 'loneliness' as experienced by adults with intellectual disability, with 'intermittent' to 'limited' support needs. A measure of loneliness was piloted, and qualitative techniques used to develop a greater understanding of the participants' experience. The Loneliness Scale proved valid and reliable and the participants reported loneliness in ways comparable with the general population. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to enhance understanding of people's perspective when developing support systems to promote their quality of life. Based on participant perspectives, recommendations are made concerning the issues and types of support families and professionals could consider when seeking to assist people with intellectual disability address loneliness. Further investigation of the effects of differing educational and vocational opportunities on people's post-school social networks appears warranted.