The adaptation and application of mindfulness‐based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities
| Pages | 46-52 |
| Published date | 16 September 2011 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281111180664 |
| Date | 16 September 2011 |
| Author | Bronwyn Robertson |
| Subject Matter | Education,Health & social care |
Practice
The adaptation and application of
mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic
practices for individuals with intellectual
disabilities
Bronwyn Robertson
Abstract
Purpose – This paper seeks to review the adaptation and application of mindfulness-based
psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disability, the population most at risk for
mental health and behavioral challenges.
Design/methodology/approach – Provided is an overview of the adaptation and utilization of these
practices in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, and maladaptive behavior in individuals with
intellectual disabilities. It also explores current research relate d to mindfulness-based stress
management for parents and caregivers of individuals with intellectual disability.
Findings – Current research and practice supports that mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic
practices are clinically effective in the treatment of anxiety, mood, stress, aggression, and self-injury in
individuals with intellectual disabilities, and enhanced coping and stress management in their parents
and caregivers.
Practical implications – The effective, experiential, and skills-based practices of mindfulness-based
psychotherapy make it easily adaptable and applicable for use with individuals with intellectual
disabilities who have varying mental health and behavioral challenges.
Originality/value – Very little has been published on the adaptation and application of
mindfulness-based psychotherapeutic practices for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Given the
mentalhealth and behavioral challenges faced by this population, there is a great need for individuals with
intellectual disabilities to have effective and practical treatment such as mindfulness-based
psychotherapy.Furt her researchand utilization of thesepractices with this population is needed.
Keywords Mindfulness skills, Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, Intellectual disability, Mental health,
Stress, Carers
Paper type Conceptual paper
Mindfulness-based psychotherapy
Mindfulness-based psychotherapy utilizes self-regulative practices to enhance affect
tolerance, affectregulation, attention, and relaxation. Research indicates these practices are
highly effective in the management of anxiety, depression, anger, and stress, and are
associatedwith beneficial neurophysiological and physiologicalchanges including alterations
in cortical and subcortical brain regions, decreased cortisol levels, and reduced blood
pressure, heart and respiration rate (Dusek et al., 2008). In the past two decades,
mindfulness-based practices have become increasingly more integrated within mainstream
PAGE 46
j
ADVANCES IN MENTALHEALTH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
j
VOL. 5 NO. 5 2011, pp. 46-52, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 DOI 10.1108/20441281111180664
Bronwyn Robertson is a
Psychotherapist at Parker,
Schlichter and Associates,
in Virginia Beach,
Virginia, USA.
This paper is a revised version
of a chapter by the same title
originally published in
Psychotherapy for Individuals
with Intellectual Disabilities,
edited by Robert J. Fletcher
and published by NADD Press,
2011. This version appears in
Advances in Mental Health and
Intellectual Disabilities courtesy
of NADD Press.
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