Mixed Experiences of a Mindfulness-Informed Intervention: Voices from People with Intellectual Disabilities, Their Supporters, and Therapists

Abstract

Objectives Mindfulness-based programs have been delivered to people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and aggressive behaviour with some success. The current study is part of a wider feasibility study, which aimed to test the adaptation of the Soles of the Feet (SoF) meditation practice to a six-session, one-to-one intervention delivered within the UK National Health Service. It was designed for adults with ID to help reduce their aggressive behaviour. Methods Eighteen stakeholders were interviewed from three groups: (1) people with ID who took part in the intervention, (2) their supporters, and (3) therapists who delivered the intervention. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results The intervention had high acceptability among participants, although they reported mixed outcomes, these outcomes aligned closely with reports on effectiveness from supporters and therapists. Some people with ID and their supporters reported positive changes, such as reduced aggression, increased sociability, and higher quality of life. Some participants reported no change. Conclusions Four participants and their supporters reported clear benefits from the SoF intervention. For the three that did not report benefits, this appeared to be related to whether the person with ID understood the intervention and/or were motivated to reduce their aggressive behaviour. There was also evidence of supporters needing more direct instruction on how to facilitate the SoF intervention with the person they care for. Suggestions for future research are made, and clinical implications explored.

The experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities attending a mindfulness‐based group intervention

“…Benefits were evident from mindfulness techniques despite having an internal experience to mindfulness that differed from “classic” mindfulness. There is some uncertainty in existing literature whether a lack of understanding of the MBP curtails benefits to the individual (Griffith et al., 2019) or whether a full understanding of the MBP is not necessary for therapeutic gain (Currie et al., 2019).…”

“…Within the study by Griffith et al. (2019), those who experienced benefits, these included reduced aggression and increased quality of life and sociability. Currie et al.…”

Soles of the Feet Meditation Intervention for People with Intellectual Disability and Problems with Anger and Aggression—a Feasibility Study

“…Although the effectiveness of the UK SoF intervention was not a primary aim, at 6-month follow-up, several outcomes showed improvement (anger and aggressive behavior, depression and anxiety). As additional information, the qualitative data from interviews with participants with ID, their carers, and the therapists can be found in Griffith et al (2019).…”

“…This feasibility study was a single-arm study with three measurement time points: (1) baseline, (2) immediately after the intervention (2 months post-baseline), and (3) follow-up (6 months post-baseline). Qualitative data was also taken at follow-up and is reported in Griffith et al (2019). Feasibility metrics (e.g., recruitment and retention rates, clinical characteristics, duration of the intervention) were analyzed, together with adherence outcome, participant acceptance, and adherence to the intervention.…”

“…It is suggested that any future research protocol should consider these issues. As this was a feasibility study, testing the effectiveness of the UK SoF intervention was not a primary aim (Bowen et al 2009); although, there was evidence to suggest that there were reductions in reported anger and aggression in both the quantitative and the qualitative data (Griffith et al 2019). Based on the feasibility outcomes of this study and the number of suggested adaptations to the protocol, it would seem sensible for future research to conduct a pilot clinical trial rather than developing a full RCT at this stage.…”