Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Adapting and evaluating a tree of life group for women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- RANDLE-PHILLPS Cathy, FARQUHAR Sarah, THOMAS Sally
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44 (4), 2016, pp.301-308.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This study describes how a specific narrative therapy approach called ‘the tree of life’ was adapted to run a group for women with learning disabilities. The group consisted of four participants and ran for five consecutive weeks. Materials and Methods: Participants each constructed a tree to represent their lives and presented their tree to the group who responded with positive feedback and affirming statements. This led to discussion about overcoming the storms of life and a celebration of the journey the group had been through together. Key Results: Although no change was found on quantitative measures of well-being and self-esteem, participants reported benefitting from the peer support and social connectedness that the group offered, particularly in relation to themes of loss and change in their lives. Conclusions: ‘The tree of life’ approach has potential value as an intervention for people with learning disabilities. The benefits and challenges of this approach within the context of working with people with learning disabilities are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Intellectual disabilities, domestic violence and legal engagement
- Authors:
- DOUGLAS Heather, HARPUR Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 31(3), 2016, pp.305-32.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is increasing recognition that legal responses to domestic violence can only be effective if those who implement the law – for example, child protection workers, police and magistrates – are also effective. This article draws on the narratives of women with intellectual disabilities to analyse their experiences of engaging with the legal system as a response to domestic violence. In particular, the article considers whether they have access to appropriate support to utilise the remedies afforded by the law on an equal basis to survivors without disabilities. In considering this the authors draw on the concept of supported decision-making, an approach recommended by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
What are the support needs of women with learning disabilities who have been abused?
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 21(1), 2016, pp.39-42.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: In discussing some of the issues arising from the article by Angela Olsen and Catherine Carter, the purpose of this paper is to draw readers’ attention to the various support needs women with learning disabilities may have. Design/methodology/approach: Critical analysis based on review of literature and the author’s research and practice-based experience. Findings: Women with learning disabilities have similar support needs to other women who have experienced violence and abuse. However, in order to get their needs met, they need access to information, support from professionals and to share experiences with other women. Originality/value: This commentary encourages readers to view the abuse of women with learning disabilities in a broad social context and to use all the knowledge available to protect and empower individuals, whilst at the same time demanding social changes to end discrimination and abuse. (Publisher abstract)
What influences women with intellectual disabilities to attend breast screening? Experiences of women who have and have not participated
- Author:
- WILLIS Diane S.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 44 (4), 2016, pp.269-276.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Despite breast screening in Britain being free to all women within the allotted age range, uptake of this service is often poor in women with intellectual disabilities. Reasons put forward are numerous, including poor knowledge, pain and difficulty travelling to the centre. However, what influences the decision to attend is rarely discussed. Methods: Twelve semi-structured interviews and three focused observation were undertaken with women with intellectual disabilities to explore what influenced them to participate in breast screening and their experience of having mammography. Data were analysed thematically using a blended framework. Results: Despite the experience of mammography being negative, high uptake of breast screening services was reported in this study. Pain and previous poor treatment in hospital were reasons for nonparticipation in breast screening. Although awareness about breast screening varied, those who had previous breast problems were more knowledgeable; however, there was poor awareness of the risks of hereditary breast cancer. Overall, paid-carers were found to play a key role, as means of support, information and a potential influence in determining participation in breast screening. Conclusions: There was general equality of access but an inequality in the preparation and delivery of the service which was dependent on a complex range of issues and relationships. Key to participation was preparation with the paid-carer facilitating discussions about breast screening were key to participating in mammography. This has implications on the future direction of funding and policy making. Risks associated with hereditary breast cancer and earlier presentation of breast tumours also needs highlighting. (Edited publisher abstract)
Dialectical behaviour therapy in an inpatient unit for women with a learning disability: service users’ perspectives
- Authors:
- ROSCOE Paula, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 20(3), 2016, pp.263-280.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
There is a general lack of self-report data from service users with an intellectual disability (ID) about their views of psychological interventions. This research explored the views and experiences of female inpatients, with a diagnosis of a personality disorder and an ID, about dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Semi-structured interviews were used with 10 women, recruited from two independent mental health hospitals. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants showed varying levels of understanding of DBT. Findings highlight the need for a standardized approach with a suitably adapted structure and curriculum to meet the needs of inpatients with an ID. Factors such as the therapeutic relationship were identified as playing a role in participants’ motivation, engagement and participation in DBT. (Publisher abstract)
Journeys into dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): capturing the staff and service-user experience
- Authors:
- JOHNSON Paula, THOMSON Michaela
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 7(2), 2016, pp.84-93.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of staff and service-users regarding the introduction of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) into an NHS forensic learning disability (LD) service. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on data from two recent qualitative research studies, the research team used a case-oriented approach to see beyond original findings to capture the shared experiences of the participants’ journeys, thus giving a deeper insight to the commonalities of the participants’ voices which is rarely reported in the literature (Sandelowski, 2011). Findings: A common set of phenomena became apparent when the cases were analysed, these included: trust, intensity and worthwhile. It is intended this paper gives some opportunity for reflection and shared empathetic responses to the similar experiences discussed. Originality/value: The case-orientated analysis adds value to the evidence base by highlighting the importance of the qualitative voice of both the staff and service user. This is important because most available literature reflects the process of setting up a team or DBT service, rather than describing the team experience. Equally, most published literature regarding the effectiveness of DBT is not written from the perspective of the people who receive the therapy. (Edited publisher abstract)
Disparities in substance abuse treatment utilization among women with intellectual disability
- Author:
- SLAYTER Elspeth
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation, 15(2), 2016, pp.96-115.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Despite concerns about health disparities among women with intellectual disabilities, little is known about substance abuse treatment access in this population. Using standardised performance measures, treatment initiation and engagement were examined retrospectively for women aged 18 to 64 (N = 3,752), men with (N = 5,732) and women without intellectual disability (N = 493,446) from 49 states in the USA. Logistic regression models of utilisation were conducted. Women in the sample were less likely than men in the sample or women without intellectual disability to utilise treatment, suggesting both gender-related and disability-related barriers. Policy and practice implications for improving the health and welfare of women with intellectual disabilities are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
The role of gender in violence experienced by adults with developmental disabilities
- Authors:
- PLATT Laura, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 32(1), 2017, pp.76-100.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Violence against people with developmental disabilities is a highly prevalent yet understudied phenomenon. In particular, there is a paucity of literature surrounding the role of gender and the experiences of men. Using a cross-sectional study design, the authors surveyed 350 people with diverse developmental disabilities about experiences of abuse, perpetrators of abuse, and their physical and mental health status. These data were analysed to determine whether gender influenced these domains. Statistical methods included chi-square, independent t tests, logistic regression, and hierarchical multiple regressions. Male and female participants reported abuse at high rates, with 61.9% of men and 58.2% of women reporting abuse as children and 63.7% of men and 68.2% of women reporting abuse as adults. More women than men reported adult sexual abuse, but there was no gender difference in the prevalence of any other form of abuse. Women were more likely than men to identify an intimate partner as their abuser, although intimate partners represented the minority of abusers for both men and women. Violence was associated with worse health status regardless of participant gender. These findings confirm that violence is an important issue for both men and women with developmental disabilities. Although some expected gender differences arose, such as higher rates of adult sexual abuse and intimate partner violence against women, these differences were less pronounced than they are in the general population, and the overall picture of abuse was one of gender similarities rather than differences. (Edited publisher abstract)
What kind of support and training do junior qualified nurses working with women with learning disabilities in a secure setting require when dealing with violence and aggression
- Authors:
- GOULDING Helen, RIORDAN Sharon Alicia
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 7(3), 2016, pp.140-150.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The paper aims to explore the perceived needs of junior nurses working with women with learning disabilities in a secure setting who display violence and aggression. The study aims to contribute to this specialised area of research and to identify potential areas for further post registration education. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative design using thematic analysis. Initial questionnaires were distributed and the results analysed in order to form initial themes. These initial themes were then used to carry out a one off focus group and this was transcribed verbatim and then analysed using Braun & Clarke (2006) thematic analysis to develop final themes. Findings: The findings identified a need for staff to be able to access effective immediate support following incidents of violence and aggression and support be offered within a clear structured environment. Staff indicated that peer supervision be made available and that they also receive adequate education relating to gender specific issues and the use of seclusion. Research limitations/implications: The research had several limitations. These included a small sample size which was also largely self-selected. Bias may have to be acknowledged in respect of completion of questionnaires depending on their view of participation and what they might be contributing to. Despite this the results do raise further questions such as staff decision making around the use of seclusion. Practical implications: Implications centred around the organisation's delivery of education to staff in relation to the clinical decision making skills they require in order to effectively support women with learning disabilities who display violent and / or aggressive behaviour. The study also has implications for potential supervision structures currently offered within these services. Originality/value: This paper fulfils a need to explore services for women with a learning disability further and how services can be shaped using current perspective and up to date research in line with recent policy, e.g Corston Report 2007. (Edited publisher abstract)
Working with women with a learning disability experiencing domestic abuse: how social workers can negotiate competing definitions of risk
- Authors:
- DIXON Jeremy, ROBB Megan
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 46(3), 2016, pp.773-788.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Women with a learning disability who experience domestic abuse receive intervention from both social services and the police. Responses from these services have increasingly become focused on notions of risk. This article uses governmentality theory to examine how risk is understood and managed by both services through a focus on policy and practice. The article examines how policy directs social workers to promote positive risk taking whilst assessing and managing risk for those deemed vulnerable or lacking mental capacity to self-protect. It is argued that, whilst social work decision making around risk has primarily been based on the judgement of individual workers, the police have increasingly adopted assessments utilising calculative measures. In addition, the article explores the extent to which these women are treated as autonomous agents responsible for managing their own risk. It is argued that social workers and the police should adopt a common screening process to highlight groups of women who may be at risk of abuse. In addition, social workers should draw on their interpersonal skills to enable women with a learning disability to recognise and make informed choices about abuse. (Publisher abstract)