Parent-Guardian Evaluation of Physical Restraint Among Adults with Intellectual Disability: a Social Validity Assessment

Abstract

Parents-guardians of adults who had intellectual disability completed a social validity assessment that documented their attitudes and opinions about physical restraint. Both parents-guardians of adults that had and had not experienced physical restraint rated most highly that (a) physical restraint should only be used if less intensive procedures have failed and (b) physical restraint can be adapted to ensure safety and reduce risk of harm. They endorsed less favorably that effective use of physical restraint makes it possible for individuals to progress and achieve a better quality of life. The parents-guardians of adults that had not experienced physical restraint differed from the parents-guardians of adults with a physical restraint history in acceptance of physical restraint to ensure safety of their family member. We discuss these findings and implications for habilitation services programs.