“Connectedness” between people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour and support staff: perceptions of psychologists and support staff

Tournier, T., Hendriks, A.H.C., Jahoda, A. , Hastings, R.P. and Embregts, P.J.C.M. (2023) “Connectedness” between people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour and support staff: perceptions of psychologists and support staff. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 27(1), pp. 121-137. (doi: 10.1177/17446295211056820) (PMID:35086364)

Abstract

The tacit practical knowledge of psychologists and support staff to foster a real connection between support staff and people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour was explored. Therefore, six dyads comprising individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour and their support staff were video recorded during joint engagement in an activity. To tap into the implicit knowledge of professionals about when staff have ‘a real connection’ with a person with an intellectual disability, 10 psychologists and 10 support staff were asked to pinpoint these moments in the pre-recorded video compilation. They also shared their interpretations about what they considered to be a real connection. The results displayed that participants designated real connections as occurring when they noticed concrete interactions taking place. Based on thematic analysis of the data, four themes were identified that encapsulated what professionals deemed to be a real connection. In conclusion: joint engagement in an activity appears to be a context that fosters opportunities for real connection. Furthermore, support staff should adopt a sensitive attitude and create a safe atmosphere, to establish real connections.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jahoda, Professor Andrew
• Authors: Tournier, T., Hendriks, A.H.C., Jahoda, A., Hastings, R.P., 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: Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1744-6295
• ISSN (Online): 1744-6309
• Published Online: 27 January 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 27(1): 121-137
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License