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Life events as a risk factor for psychological problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities: a critical review
- Authors:
- HULBERT-WILLIAMS L., HASTINGS R.P.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(11), November 2008, pp.883-895.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Stressful life events such as bereavement, moving house and changing jobs have repeatedly been implicated as risk factors for mental and physical ill health. Since the 1940s, researchers have demonstrated the negative effects of stressful life events, refined methods of recording such events and investigated the relative impact of different types of event. These investigations have generally not extended to include people with intellectual disabilities. A narrative review of research on life events as they occur to people with intellectual disabilities was conducted and the evidence that life events function as a risk factor for psychological problems critically assessed. Evidence was reviewed for an association between life events and a range of outcome variables, including affective disorders, challenging behaviour, psychosis and psychological problems more generally. The methodology behind the current evidence base was critiqued and a number of methodological advances that would help to strengthen it discussed. There is reasonable evidence that life events are associated with psychological problems, and that there is some tentative evidence that life events play a causal role, although to date, no relationship with psychosis in people with intellectual disabilities has been demonstrated. Life events are likely to be pertinent in clinical work with people with intellectual disabilities.
‘He's hard work, but he's worth it’. The experience of caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research
- Authors:
- GRIFFITH G.M., HASTINGS R.P.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(5), 2014, pp.401-419.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This review synthesises the qualitative literature on the perspectives of those caring for a family member with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour, with a focus on their experiences of support services. Materials and Methods: A thorough literature search resulted in 17 studies being selected for inclusion in the meta-synthesis. Results: Five primary themes were identified: (i) love, (ii) altered identity, (iii) crisis management, (iv) support is not just ‘challenging behaviour’ services, and (v) the future: low expectations, high hopes. Conclusions: Carers spoke of the deep love for their family member and of the chronic strain the demands of caregiving placed upon them. Support services often caused additional problems and high levels of stress for caregivers, although there were also reports of good practice. The findings may inform clinicians and service providers about how best to support families of individuals with challenging behaviour. (Edited publisher abstract)