A longitudinal observational study of aggressive behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Aggressive behaviour exhibited by adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) can negatively affect the person and those around them. Aims: To longitudinally investigate the topography and trajectory of aggressive behaviour and to identify cross-sectional and prospective risk factors including personal characteristics, co-morbid conditions and contextual factors in a clinical cohort. Methods: Structured interviews with carers of 100 adults with ID who exhibit aggressive behaviour were conducted three times over 12 months, at six-month intervals. Questionnaires and standardised assessment scales were administered at each time point to assess aggressive behaviour, including triggers, other problem behaviour, quality of life, carer’s outcomes, mental health problems, physical health conditions and demographic variables. Results: Aggressive behaviour was long-standing, however, behaviour improved with 43% demonstrating a reliable improvement. A model of severity of aggressive behaviour accounted for 50-54% of the variance at follow-up. Those with more severe ID were over 3 times more likely to exhibit self-injurious behaviour and females were over 5 times more likely to exhibit verbal aggression. Carers implicated a wide range of contextual variables as triggers for aggressive behaviour. Conclusions: A clinical profile of topography of aggressive behaviour, including risk factor profile among adults with ID may guide interventions and inform service provision.
Author: Gemma Unwin
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1630367381