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Investigating spontaneous attributions in mothers of individuals with intellectual disabilities and self‐injurious behaviour
Author(s) -
Drysdale Emma E.,
Jahoda Andrew,
Campbell Elizabeth
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of learning disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 1354-4187
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3156.2009.00549.x
Subject(s) - attribution , psychology , feeling , intellectual disability , challenging behaviour , thematic analysis , psychological intervention , developmental psychology , pessimism , coping (psychology) , locus of control , qualitative research , social psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , social science , philosophy , epistemology , sociology
Accessible summary• Mothers had many different explanations of why their children with intellectual disabilities hurt themselves and often weren’t hopeful that it would stop. • Some of the mothers felt they could sometimes help with their children’s behaviour and this helped with feelings of stress. • Professionals helping people with intellectual disabilities who hurt themselves need to listen more to what their families think and feel.Summary Mothers’ attributions of self injurious behaviour (SIB) in their children with intellectual disability have been largely ignored. However, attributions may predict maternal well‐being and engagement in treatment. Thirteen mothers of people who self‐injured were recruited. A qualitative design was employed, the data being subjected to thematic analysis according to Braun & Clarke’s (2006) guidelines. Weiner’s (1980) attributional model informed development of semi‐structured interviews, to explore the nature and content of their views about SIB. The mothers’ attributions were consistent with dimensions of locus of cause, stability and controllability. They held different, sometimes contradictory views about causes of SIB. Although pessimistic regarding long‐term improvement and often uncomfortable with interventions suggested by professionals, some felt able to exercise limited control over their offsprings’ SIB. Control was also linked to stress, and a sense of responsibility when there was inadequate support. Sensitive, effective professional support for individuals engaging in SIB requires collaboration with carers, and understanding carers’ views and feelings.