Carnaby, Steven; (2001) Social support offered to people with learning disabilities: The service user's perspective. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Many studies have shown that social support is related to psychological and physical well being, with recent research placing an emphasis on the role of individual perceptions of received support. This study attempted to relate the knowledge gained from studies of social support in the general population to the experience of people with learning disabilities. To do this, individuals with learning disabilities' perspectives, with regard to the social support that they receive, was explored in three ways. Firstly, the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) was administered to 36 men and women to establish the size and composition of their social network. Secondly, a semi-structured interview was used to elicit perceptions of support received when feeling sad or angry. Thirdly, picture stories were used to explore whether participants were able to describe the support they would offer to others in times of emotional distress. The results of the SSQ supported previous research, suggesting that participants viewed paid staff as their main source of social support. Analysis of the interviews found that some people with learning disabilities are able to both describe the support they have received in times of distress, and relate how they would support others. No dominant type of support emerged from individuals' reports, suggesting that people are supported in highly individualised ways that are likely to be influenced by a wide range of contextual factors. The findings were discussed both in terms of the methodology adopted and its appropriateness for people with learning disabilities and their implications for the design of service provision.

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