Using the power threat meaning framework for a racialised individual labelled with intellectual disability, schizophrenia and autism: A case study

This article describes the application of the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) in the formulation of ‘Samuel’, a client within a community intellectual disability service. A formulation was composed based on the review of historical mental health service admissions, results of quality-of-life assessments, and observations of Samuel during psychology sessions. Using the PTMF, Samuel could be perceived as a racialised man who is ‘surviving social exclusion, shame and coercive power’ rather than ‘schizophrenic’ as he had previously been labelled within a biomedical model. Recommendations based on this formulation and suggestions for future directions are provided.The Power Threat Meaning Framework is an empathic way of understanding behaviour.This is the first known case study describing it’s use with a black man with an intellectual disability.Interventions are suggested to support the reduction of the client’s distress and behaviours that have challenged his family and services.Suggestions for making the Power Threat Meaning Framework more accessible are provided.