Evaluating a mindfulness-based group intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Purpose There is growing evidence examining mindfulness-based interventions (MI) for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). As discussed in this paper, MI may be particularly suited for people with ID given high rates of difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions and as this approach may rely less on cognitive ability compared to other therapies. This study aims to assess the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a six-session MI group [the Coping Well Group (CWG)] delivered within routine clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach Six separate cohorts (n = 25) of adults with ID attended CWG. Quantitative data were collected from service users, including a pre- and post-quality of life (QoL) measure and qualitative data from group facilitators. Findings Roughly one-half (53%) of service users invited to the group attended at least one session, with low levels of dropout observed among group attendees. A significant improvement in QoL was reported demonstrating a small effect (d = 0.46, p = 0.022) after attending the group. Most service users (72%) were referred to the CWG for help managing difficult emotions. One-half (44%) of attendees required individual therapy after attending the group. Limitations of the evaluation and potential future research are discussed. Originality/value The current evaluation contributes a practice-based service evaluation of an MI group for people with ID and mental health difficulties to the currently limited evidence base. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to investigate the impact of group psychological interventions collecting data across cohorts and assessing QoL, a more general measure of well-being than has been used previously.

Quality of Life: Updated Psychometric Properties and New Norm Values in a Representative German Sample Focusing Socioeconomics and Mental Health

“…For example, it was recently applied in a population-based study in Finland examining the negative impact of obesity on QOL [ 9 ]. The EUROHIS-QOL has also been successfully implemented in a study of deaf individuals with intellectual disabilities [ 10 ] and in an intervention study for persons with intellectual disabilities [ 11 ]. Considering mental health aspects, it has recently been used in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, to study the QOL and mental health of people with physical diseases [ 12 ] and in elderly people suffering from loneliness [ 13 ].…”