A review of the reported attitudes of health and social care professionals towards people with learning disabilities: implications for education and further research

Fitzsimmons, John; Barr, Owen

doi:10.1177/146900479700100203

Cited by 29 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Factor 3 reflects that when professionals do not receive training on LDs, they have reduced confidence and ability in working effectively with such clients. In contrast with conclusions by Fitzsimmons and Barr () that no relationship between attitudes and education is established, Factor 3 demonstrates a strong association between the two. Furthermore, lack of knowledge on LDs resulted in discrepancies within therapists’ responses.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 98%

Attitudes of therapists towards people with learning disabilities

Besika

Collard

Coogan

2017

Couns and Psychother Res

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Introduction: Learning disabilities (LDs) 1 can be an invisible condition, and therapists 2 may come across clients that remain undiagnosed. Unless therapists are equipped to work with this client group, the therapeutic process could lead to damaging results. Aim: This study investigates attitudes 3 of private therapists towards working with clients with LDs in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. The overall aim was to raise awareness on the issue. Methodology: Primary research was conducted applying the Q-Methodology. Existing views were gathered from the literature and were used to study the range of subjective views on the topic. POETQ, an online application, enabled 23 private therapists across the United Kingdom to participate in the study. Data were analysed electronically using a computer application, specifically designed for the Q-Method. Results: Four Q-factors were defined that reflect the current attitudes amongst therapists: Factor 1: Therapists are responsible for the effectiveness of their service; Factor 2: LDs are a type of diversity; Factor 3: Lack of knowledge impacts on level of confidence and Factor 4: There is a need for therapists to undertake relevant training. Conclusions: These results show that participants in this study belong to a population that holds positive attitudes towards people with LDs and believe that a therapeutic relationship can be established with such clients. However, the nonresponse bias can potentially indicate that the majority of the population is unwilling to engage with clients with LDs. This study suggests that training, professional experience and direct personal contact and familiarity with LDs contribute towards positive attitudes. A further investigation of the factors that influence attitudes of therapists, could contribute towards improving the quality of psychotherapeutic services available to people with LDs.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 98%

Attitudes of therapists towards people with learning disabilities

Besika

Collard

Coogan

2017

Couns and Psychother Res

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“…It is anticipated that the provision of opportunities for police officers to meet people with ID in facilitated settings, where they can demonstrate their abilities and also discuss their needs, will further increase the positive attitudes of police officers by directly challenging stereotypes about people with ID. Such an approach is supported by the growing evidence that direct contact with people with ID in settings where they can demonstrate their skills facilitates a positive change of attitude towards people with ID (Fitzsimons & Barr 1997).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Police attitudes toward people with intellectual disability: an evaluation of awareness training

Bailey

Barr

Bunting

2001

J intellect Disabil Res

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It is argued that more favourable police attitudes to people with intellectual disability (ID) are essential in meeting the police code of ethics, which stresses impartiality and respect for human dignity. The need to acknowledge and investigate the extent of support for eugenic attitudes in other key professionals who have a significant role in the successful inclusion of people with ID in community settings is discussed. The present paper reports on the evaluation of an awareness training event conducted by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in terms of the impact on attitudes towards people with ID held by police officers. The quasi-experimental design involved the measurement of participants' attitudes prior to and following awareness training, and the comparison of these data with a control group of participants who did not undertake awareness exercises. The Attitudes toward Mental Retardation and Eugenics (AMRE) scale was the instrument used to measure attitudes. Analysis identified the presence of varying degrees of support for the application of eugenic principles to people with ID. Furthermore, the results indicate that participation in the awareness exercise and subsequent discussions is associated with a significant reduction in support for eugenic-based attitudes towards people with ID by the police officers involved. Investment in training events which target attitudes towards people with ID can bring about a shift in reported attitudes. The importance of evaluating such awareness-raising exercises and their impact on police behaviour is highlighted.

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“…2004). Unfavourable attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities have been found to exist amongst a range of health and social care professionals (Bickley 1990; Fitzsimons & Barr 1997; Nursey et al. 1990) and researchers have suggested that this may partly explain inequalities in health care for this population (Howells 1986; Scott & Routledge 1997).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Investigation of Nursing Staff Attitudes and Emotional Reactions Towards Patients with Intellectual Disability in a General Hospital Setting

Lewis

Stenfert-Kroese

2010

Research Intellect Disabil

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Background It has been suggested that inequalities in health care for people with intellectual disabilities may be partly explained by negative attitudes of health professionals. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes and emotional reactions reported by nursing staff working in general hospitals towards caring for patients with intellectual disabilities. Method Attitudes and emotional reactions were measured using a self‐report, vignette style questionnaire, tested for validity and reliability. Attitudes towards patients with physical disabilities were also assessed to act as a comparison. Results Nursing staff reported less positive attitudes, more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions, in response to caring for a patient with an intellectual disability compared to a patient with a physical disability. Occupational status (registered general nurse, student nurse, nursing assistant) had no effect upon respondents reported attitudes or emotions. Finally, attitudinal and emotional variables were significantly correlated, with positive emotions being associated with more favourable attitudes. Conclusions Although caution needs to be exercised when inferring actual behaviour from attitudes expressed, it is suggested that the presence of less positive attitudes and feelings amongst nursing staff towards patients with intellectual disabilities may affect the quality of care. Recommendations for future research and service development includes: the need to focus upon improving attitudes of nursing staff through training, and increased joint working between acute care services and Community Intellectual Disability Teams.

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A review of the reported attitudes of health and social care professionals towards people with learning disabilities: implications for education and further research

Cited by 29 publications

References 12 publications

Attitudes of therapists towards people with learning disabilities

Attitudes of therapists towards people with learning disabilities

Police attitudes toward people with intellectual disability: an evaluation of awareness training

An Investigation of Nursing Staff Attitudes and Emotional Reactions Towards Patients with Intellectual Disability in a General Hospital Setting

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