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The role of shame in the development and maintenance of psychological distress in adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review and synthesis
Author(s) -
Clapton Neil E.,
Williams Jonathan,
Jones Robert S. P.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12424
Subject(s) - shame , psychology , distress , psychological distress , intellectual disability , narrative , clinical psychology , mental health , population , developmental psychology , psychotherapist , social psychology , psychiatry , medicine , linguistics , philosophy , environmental health
Background The role of shame in the development and maintenance of psychological distress in adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities has been relatively under‐researched. This study provides a review of diverse current research that has implicitly or explicitly investigated shame processes in this population in some form. Methods A narrative review of the literature was undertaken. An electronic search of four databases identified 17 studies that met the eligibility criteria. Results Findings indicate that individuals with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities may experience difficulties with both external and internal shame, which appear to be related to increased psychological distress. Experiences of being shamed may significantly negatively impact on self‐to‐self and other self‐relating, processes of social comparison, subsequent self‐worth and emotional well‐being. Conclusion Shame may be a contributory factor in the development and maintenance of psychological distress and subsequent mental health issues in some adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disabilities.