Work

From Institutional Care to Community Living: Family Caregivers' Decisions and the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Family caregivers of adults with intellectual-developmental disabilities face complex choices regarding transitions from institutional care to community living. This study examined factors associated with caregivers' decision-making using an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). METHOD: Seventy-seven legal guardians from 19 institutions completed questionnaires assessing TPB components. Consent to the transition was assessed 6-12 months later. Data were analyzed using regression and an exploratory CHAID analysis. RESULTS: Attitudes and perceived behavioural control were related to behavioural intention, which was associated with consent. Emotional attitudes showed a stronger relationship with intention than cognitive attitudes, whereas subjective norms were related to neither intention nor consent. Exploratory CHAID identified similar patterns and possible additional associations with consent. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the TPB as a useful framework for understanding caregivers' decisions and suggest that emotional responses and perceived behavioural control may be important considerations when supporting caregivers throughout the transition process.

Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

DOI: 10.1111/jar.70339

Authors: Lital Barlev‐Kotler, Arie Rimmerman

Institutions: Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, University of Haifa

Language: English

Topic: Family and Disability Support Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,600