Relating to others: the role of social stressors and social comparisons for individuals with intellectual disabilities

Mason-Roberts, Susan Katherine (2020) Relating to others: the role of social stressors and social comparisons for individuals with intellectual disabilities. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: People with intellectual disabilities report similar everyday life stressors as the general population; however, they rate social stressors as having a significant negative impact on their wellbeing. This study investigated salient social stressors experienced by young people with intellectual disabilities.
Method: Data was collected from thirteen college students with intellectual disabilities during three focus groups and analysed using Thematic Analysis.
Results: Five themes were identified: understanding stress, pressure of increased responsibilities, stigma and exclusion, the company of others: fears and worries, support and resilience. The participants reflected on past and present sources of social stress and communicated their worries about social stress in the future.
Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of social stress for these young people. It also identifies their understanding and coping skills. Future research could trial adapted psychological therapies with this population to help them manage these social stressors.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Intellectual disability, social stress, social comparison, college students, transition.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• 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: 2020
• Depositing User: Mrs Susan Mason-Roberts
• Unique ID: glathesis:2020-81720
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 22 Oct 2020 15:39
• Last Modified: 09 Sep 2022 14:07
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.81720
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/81720