Exploring the Meaning of Trauma with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Background Previous research investigating post-traumatic stress disorder assumed that adults with intellectual disabilities would react to trauma in the same way as those in the non-disabled population. This study explored the personal experience of trauma in a small group of adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods Semi-structured interviews, developed from a pilot study involving focus groups, were used to interview six adults with mild intellectual disabilities from a clinical population, about their experiences of trauma. The transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). A quantitative measure, the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale [PDS;Foa et al. (1997) Psychological Assessment vol. 9, pp. 445-451] was used in conjunction with the individual interviews.Results One theme, whether individuals perceived the world to be a dangerous or a safe place, connected the five themes that emerged from the data. The themes were identified as: (i) how the trauma affected me, (ii) I avoid things that remind me of the trauma, (iii) I am prepared for danger in the future, (iv) the tension of talking or not talking and (v) the struggle of who to blame. Conclusions The results were related to previous theoretical frameworks and the methodological limitations of the research acknowledged. The clinical implications of the findings for disclosure, assessment and therapeutic intervention were discussed.

PTSD and its treatment in people with intellectual disabilities

“…As displayed in Table 2, four articles were found reporting on incidence rates of PTSD in samples (with a total number of 359 persons) with ID who were referred for treatment, and had a history of one or more traumatic experiences (Mitchell, Clegg, & Furniss, 2006;Ryan, 1994;Firth, Balogh. Berney, Bretherton, Graham, & Whibley, 2001;Balogh, Bretherton, Whibley, Berney, Graham, Richold, Worsley, & Firth, 2001).…”

L’utilisation de « groupes de discussion » dans la recherche en déficience intellectuelle

“…Une fiche d'informations simple qui décrit bien la recherche et les attentes envers les participants peut aussi leur être remise, en s'assurant de son accessibilité pour l'ensemble des personnes (Gibbs, Brown, et Muir, 2008;Mitchell, Clegg et Furniss, 2006). Dans le cas de personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle, cette façon de faire requiert l'accompagnement d'un proche pour s'assurer que la personne ait effectivement accès à l'information écrite et qu'elle puisse bien la comprendre.…”

“…Le chercheur peut rencontrer les personnes, leur présenter une fiche comprenant ces renseignements et solliciter leur consentement. Il les informe également des différentes étapes de la recherche, leur confirme que les informations recueillies seront traitées confidentiellement et que les données codifiées ne permettront pas de les identifier (Mitchell et al, 2006). Le chercheur peut convenir avec les participants de modalités d'accès aux résultats de l'étude, ce qui peut contribuer à l'établissement d'un climat de confiance et soutenir l'intérêt des participants.…”

Safe at home? Factors influencing the safety strategies used by people with intellectual disability

“…Existing research highlights the risks that these groups are living with, in terms of both a lack of personal safety and of ways to make their voices heard about abuses of their rights to safety (Coulson Barr 2012;Mitchell, Clegg, and Furniss 2006;O'Callaghan, Murphy, and Clare 2003). There is a clear need for further research which explores the perspectives of people in these groups.…”

“…This work, while very valuable, most often focuses on their experiences of violence, abuse and neglect, drawing lessons for policy and practice from the experiences of victims (Malacrida 2005;Mitchell, Clegg, and Furniss 2006;O'Callaghan, Murphy, and Clare 2003;Sin et al 2009). …”