Lifestyle behaviour change in adults with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory investigation of carers’ causal attributions and motivation to support change

Grant, Karra Janet (2012) Lifestyle behaviour change in adults with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory investigation of carers’ causal attributions and motivation to support change. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Carers and families have a key role in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to make lifestyle behaviour changes. This study explores paid and family carers’ motivation to support change and their attributions around physical activity choices in the individuals that they support.

Methods: A between subjects questionnaire design, using two questionnaires adapted specifically for this study, was used to investigate carers’ motivation to support behaviour change and explore how this related to their attributions of physical activity choices. The influence of gender, age and level of intellectual disabilities of the individual that the carer supports were examined.

Results: 18 carers participated in the study. There was evidence to suggest that carers’ motivation to support change and attributions were correlated. In addition, motivation and attributions were related to age and level of intellectual disabilities of the individual supported by the carer.

Conclusion: Carer attributions might present a barrier to motivation to support change. This may indicate a training need for carers. Further research is required to further explore carer attributions and to further examine the utility of the questionnaire measures adapted for this study.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: carers, motivation, attributions, intellectual disabilities, physical activity
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Melville, Dr. Craig
• Date of Award: 2012
• Depositing User: Dr Karra J Grant
• Unique ID: glathesis:2012-3613
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 15 Nov 2012
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 14:09
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/3613