Listening to women with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems

Abstract

Women without intellectual disabilities are more likely to develop mental health problems as a result of physiological functioning and psychosocial risk factors. However, little is known about the mental health of women with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore a small group of women's perceptions of the risk and protective factors pertaining to their mental health conditions. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2007 in Northern Ireland. Thematic content analysis identified three risk factors and four protective/resilient factors. None of the women identified physiological functioning as a risk factor. Results suggest that women with intellectual disabilities experience psychosocial risk factors similar to those reported by women without intellectual disability. Additional risk factors place them at higher risk of developing mental health problems. However, more research is required.

‘I Know it was Every Week, but I Can't be Sure if it was Every Day: Domestic Violence and Women with Learning Disabilities

“…The psychological effects of domestic violence on the women in this study echo those found by Taggart et al . (, ) in their studies looking at risk factors for psychological distress in women with learning disabilities. They highlighted abuse as a key risk factor.…”

Risk and Resilience Factors in the Mental Health and Well‐Being of Women with Intellectual Disability

“…As Taggart et al . () found such support, along with the relative stability many experienced in their day‐to‐day lives, contributed to their mental well‐being. Even when it seemed that the woman had small social circles and intermittent contact with family, the limitations on their autonomy within support services appeared less influential than the benefit they gained from the support (Taggart et al .…”

“…Some women in our study were conscious of having been different throughout their schooling and into adulthood, reflecting social isolation and stigmatization (Taggart et al . , ; Stmadová & Evans ). In addition, some women expressed unhappiness with their current living arrangements or with the lack of meaningful work that was available to them.…”

“…; Taggart et al . , ). While interview data suggest their mental illness contributed to the separation, it was notable that they received little support to maintain their relationship with their children at the time and it is only in more recent years that they and their now adult children have begun to re‐establish contact.…”

“…Interviews with 12 women with intellectual disability, all of whom had a diagnosed mental health condition, and focus groups of staff who work with women with intellectual disability provided identification of both risk and resilience factors (Taggart et al . ,b, ). Risk factors included feeling less valued than other women, being stigmatized by their intellectual disability and subject to abuse; having unfulfilled hopes for an intimate relationship and children, or, for those who do have children, their removal to foster care.…”