The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Supporting People With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

A number of studies have used mindfulness-based interventions to influence the behavior of people with intellectual disabilities, to improve their quality of life, and to reduce challenging behavior. The present review critically evaluates 18 studies and assesses the clinical and academic impact of their findings. Strengths identified included replicable methodological approaches, use of multiple baseline designs, strong construct and criterion validity, and consideration of the mechanisms by which mindfulness influences behavior change. Limitations included a lack of randomized controlled trials, inclusion of qualitative data without structured analysis, limited use of statistical analyses, and problems with sampling leading to difficulties generalizing findings. There was also a paucity of research investigating the impact of "Dialectical Behavior Therapy" and "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" and the role of mindfulness within these approaches. Further research is warranted in this regard.

Dancing Mindfulness: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Emerging Practice

“…Other major themes in this body of research include increased acceptance of self and others (Ashcroft, Barrow, Lee, & McKinnon, 2012;Barton, 2011;Chadwick, Kaur, Swellam, et al, 2011;Frank & La Barre, 2011;Garland, Schwarz, Kelly, et al, 2012;Hick & Furlotte, 2010;Irving, Park-Saltzman, Fitzpatrick, et al, 2014;Malpass, Carel, Ridd, Shaw, et al, 2012;Milligan, Badali, & Spiroiu, 2013;Wilkinson-Tough, Bocci, Thorne, & Herlihy, 2010), and relaxation and an increased feeling of calm (Barton, 2011;Coholic, 2011;Frisvold, Lindquist, & McAlpine, 2012;Harper, Webb, & Rayner, 2013).…”

“…Other major themes identified in the body of qualitative literature are enhanced emotional regulation (Chadwick, Kaur, Swellam et al, 2011;Coholic, 2011;Dennick, Fox, & Walter-Brice, 2013;Garland, Schwarz, Kelly et al, 2012;Hick & Furlotte, 2010;Martin & Lichtenberger, 2002;Mehling, Wrubel, Daubenmire, et al, 2011;Milligan, Badali, & Spiroiu, 2013;Wongtongkam, Ward, Day, & Winefield, 2013), enhanced spiritual connection, (Frisvold, Lindquist, & McAlpine, 2012;Hick & Furlotte, 2010), and an increase in the overall well-being of participants (Harper, Webb, & Rayner, 2013;Hick & Furlotte, 2010;Martin & Lichtenberger, 2002;Mehling, Wrubel, Daubenmire, et al, 2011;Wongtongkam, Ward, Day, & Winefield, 2013).…”

Interventions for challenging behaviour in intellectual disability

“…Mindfulness-based interventions have consistently reported positive outcomes in modifying behaviour. A review evaluating the evidence to date (Harper 2013) identified 18 studies that used mindfulness either as a stand-alone intervention or as part of acceptance and commitment therapy or dialectical behaviour therapy. Ten of these studies recorded effects on aggressive behaviour and all ten reported reduction in aggression.…”

Mindfulness and Acceptance in Developmental Disabilities: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…The first four papers deal with parents and paid carers, followed by three papers that deal with individuals with intellectual disabilities, and one involving both the individuals with intellectual disabilities and their carers. The final paper adds to the rapidly growing number of reviews of the extant mindfulness literature in developmental disabilities (e.g., Harper et al 2013;Kearney 2013a, 2013b).…”