Direct Support Professionals' Perspectives on Enabling Meaningful Activities for People With Intellectual Disabilities

IF 2.1 3区医学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities Pub Date : 2025-06-10 DOI:10.1111/jar.70078

Christophe Wille, Geert van Hove, Jos van Loon, Dominique Van de Velde, Patricia de Vriendt

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

People with intellectual disabilities in Flanders (Belgium) often rely on their direct support professionals (DSPs) to engage in meaningful activities. While structured approaches exist to guide engagement, limited insight is available into the specific support DSPs need in practice.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 13 DSPs. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12.

Results

Five themes emerged: (1) Basic assumptions regarding meaningful activities, (2) Relationship between people with intellectual disabilities and DSPs as a prerequisite for enabling meaningful activities, (3) Facilitating factors in enabling meaningful activities, (4) Areas of tension in enabling meaningful activities, and (5) Barriers to enabling meaningful activities.

Conclusions

DSPs recognise the importance of meaningful activities but face significant challenges in practice. Addressing these challenges requires training and support tailored to their specific needs and the realities of their daily work, ensuring they are better equipped to foster engagement in meaningful activities.

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直接支援专业人士为智障人士举办有意义活动的观点

法兰德斯（比利时）的智障人士经常依靠他们的直接支持专业人员（dsp）参与有意义的活动。虽然存在指导参与的结构化方法，但对dsp在实践中需要的具体支持的了解有限。方法采用描述性定性研究方法，对13名dsp进行深度访谈。使用NVivo 12进行专题分析。结果：(1)关于有意义活动的基本假设；(2)智障人士与dsp之间的关系是实现有意义活动的先决条件；(3)实现有意义活动的促进因素；(4)实现有意义活动的紧张领域；(5)实现有意义活动的障碍。dsp认识到有意义活动的重要性，但在实践中面临重大挑战。要应对这些挑战，就需要针对他们的具体需求和日常工作的实际情况提供培训和支持，确保他们能够更好地参与有意义的活动。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities Multiple-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： JARID is an international, peer-reviewed journal which draws together findings derived from original applied research in intellectual disabilities. The journal is an important forum for the dissemination of ideas to promote valued lifestyles for people with intellectual disabilities. It reports on research from the UK and overseas by authors from all relevant professional disciplines. It is aimed at an international, multi-disciplinary readership. Topics covered include community living, quality of life, challenging behaviour, communication, sexuality, medication, ageing, supported employment, family issues, mental health, physical health, autism, economic issues, social networks, staff stress, staff training, epidemiology and service provision.