Exploring parents' experiences of promoting physical activity for their child with intellectual disabilities

McGarty, A. M. , Westrop, S. C. and Melville, C. A. (2021) Exploring parents' experiences of promoting physical activity for their child with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), pp. 140-148. (doi: 10.1111/jar.12793) (PMID:32776494)

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Abstract

Introduction: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities participate in low levels of physical activity and have a greater reliance on their parents to provide activity opportunities. This study explored parents’ experiences of promoting physical activity for their child with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight parents of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Interviews were independently coded and analysed by two researchers using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes and nine subthemes were identified. Overall, parents had positive views of physical activity. However, parents face numerous barriers that limit their ability to promote physical activity for their child with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions: Parents experience high levels of exclusion and stigma that negatively affect their promotion of physical activity for their child with intellectual disabilities. Overcoming the barriers faced by parents could therefore be an indirect method to increase physical activity in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Westrop, Miss Sophie and Melville, Professor Craig and Mcgarty, Dr Arlene
Authors: McGarty, A. M., Westrop, S. C., and Melville, C. A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
Journal Name:Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1360-2322
ISSN (Online):1468-3148
Published Online:09 August 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 34(1):140-148
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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