Listening to mothers: experiences of mental health support and insights into adapting psychological therapy for people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities

Adams, Tracey M. (2018) Listening to mothers: experiences of mental health support and insights into adapting psychological therapy for people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: Individuals with severe or profound intellectual disabilities can face difficulties in getting mental health support, and little is known about psychological therapies for this population. Mothers’ experiences and perspectives in seeking support and adapting therapies were explored.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six mothers of adults with severe or profound intellectual disabilities, who had sought mental health support for their offspring. Interviews were audio-recorded, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results: Mothers found it difficult to recognise signs of emotional difficulties in their offspring. Individuals faced barriers to receiving adequate support, with professionals thought to lack the knowledge to work with people with severe impairments, resulting in individuals facing discrimination. The importance of the therapeutic relationship and involving carers in therapy were considered.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for more appropriate mental health support for these individuals. Future research could trial adapted psychological therapies with this population.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Intellectual disability, mental health, support, therapy.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Jahoda, Professor Andrew
• Date of Award: 2018
• Depositing User: Ms Tracey Marie Adams
• Unique ID: glathesis:2018-30928
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 16 Apr 2019 08:23
• Last Modified: 14 Feb 2023 13:17
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/30928