Qualitative research with individuals with intellectual disabilities: Inclusive research design

Location

2071

Format Type

Paper

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

14-1-2017 1:10 PM

End Date

14-1-2017 1:30 PM

Abstract

I intend to research individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) who live life invisibly in the margins, historically mythicized as incapable of experiencing to a full potential all the biopsychosocial dimensions of life (McDonald & Keys, 2008; Graesser, 2008). This grand narrative is the antithesis to the reality that in addition to experiencing the gamut of emotional and relational aspects of life, individuals with ID are more likely to experience relational stress, trauma, and mental illness given they commonly experience the stressors of living in lower social and economic classes (Cottis, 2008). As an added obstacle, there is a scarcity of competent mental health professionals who are available and willing to work with individuals with ID, partially due to the inadequacy of specialized training in psychology doctoral programs and an unspoken consensus that working with individuals with ID is difficult, time consuming, and even futile work (Jones, 2014; Graesser, 2012). Individuals with ID also live in the margins of research. I will address and challenge the assumptions propagated in the myths about the ID. My dissertation, a qualitative investigation will utilize constructivist grounded theory, to demonstrate how researchers may respectfully and with concern conduct research with these communities.

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Jan 14th, 1:10 PM Jan 14th, 1:30 PM

Qualitative research with individuals with intellectual disabilities: Inclusive research design

2071

I intend to research individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) who live life invisibly in the margins, historically mythicized as incapable of experiencing to a full potential all the biopsychosocial dimensions of life (McDonald & Keys, 2008; Graesser, 2008). This grand narrative is the antithesis to the reality that in addition to experiencing the gamut of emotional and relational aspects of life, individuals with ID are more likely to experience relational stress, trauma, and mental illness given they commonly experience the stressors of living in lower social and economic classes (Cottis, 2008). As an added obstacle, there is a scarcity of competent mental health professionals who are available and willing to work with individuals with ID, partially due to the inadequacy of specialized training in psychology doctoral programs and an unspoken consensus that working with individuals with ID is difficult, time consuming, and even futile work (Jones, 2014; Graesser, 2012). Individuals with ID also live in the margins of research. I will address and challenge the assumptions propagated in the myths about the ID. My dissertation, a qualitative investigation will utilize constructivist grounded theory, to demonstrate how researchers may respectfully and with concern conduct research with these communities.