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The relationship between adverse interpersonal experiences and self‐esteem in people with intellectual disabilities: The role of shame, self‐compassion and social support
Author(s) -
Davies Lauren,
RandlePhillips Cathy,
Russell Ailsa,
Delaney Claire
Publication year - 2021
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.12844
Subject(s) - shame , psychology , intellectual disability , self esteem , interpersonal communication , compassion , self compassion , clinical psychology , interpersonal relationship , social psychology , developmental psychology , mindfulness , psychiatry , political science , law
Background People with intellectual disabilities are reported to have low self‐esteem and to experience high rates of adverse interpersonal experiences (AIEs). This study aimed to investigate whether shame and self‐compassion mediate the relationship between AIEs and self‐esteem for people with intellectual disabilities and whether perceived social support moderates this relationship. Method This study employed a cross‐sectional design, involving between‐group comparisons. Forty‐seven people with intellectual disabilities and 50 people without intellectual disabilities completed self‐report questionnaires measuring shame, self‐compassion, self‐esteem, early AIEs and social support. Results Shame and self‐compassion were found to mediate the relationship between AIEs and self‐esteem for people with intellectual disabilities. There was no evidence for a moderating effect of social support and no difference between groups in shame or self‐compassion. Conclusions The findings suggest shame and self‐compassion are important concepts for people with intellectual disabilities. Clinical and research implications are discussed.