Social capital and the reciprocal nature of family relationships: the perspective of individuals with mild intellectual disability

Giesbers, S. A.H., Hendriks, A. H.C., Hastings, R. P., Jahoda, A. , Tournier, T. and Embregts, P. J.C.M. (2020) Social capital and the reciprocal nature of family relationships: the perspective of individuals with mild intellectual disability. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 125(3), pp. 170-185. (doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-125.3.170) (PMID:32357108)

Abstract

Even though family plays a significant role in the lives of people with intellectual disability, little research has included their own views about their families. This study examined how 138 people with mild intellectual disability describe their family group, with a focus on the reciprocal nature of the emotional support in relationships with family members. Participants reported "significant" family members beyond the nuclear family, and parents were seen as the main provider of support. Only half of participants had a support relationship with siblings and just 13% of participants reported partners. About 30% of support was reciprocal, and reciprocity varied greatly with the types of family connection (e.g., siblings, peers). Implications for future research as well as practice are discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The research was funded by service providers Dichterbij and ASVZ.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jahoda, Professor Andrew
• Authors: Giesbers, S. A.H., Hendriks, A. H.C., Hastings, R. P., Jahoda, A., Tournier, T., and Embregts, P. J.C.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Publisher: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• ISSN: 1944-7558
• ISSN (Online): 1944-7558
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 AIADD
• First Published: First published in American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 125(3):170-185
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher