Clinical psychologists' attitudes towards the biology and 'new genetics' of intellectual and developmental disabilities: a pilot study using Q-methodology

Background The current study investigated how ideas and models from the ‘New Genetics’ and associated fields of developmental neuroscience and behavioural phenotypes are perceived by clinical psychologists working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As well as examini...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of intellectual disability research 2016-11, Vol.60 (11), p.1054-1065
Main Authors: Hare, D.J., Vahey, C., Walker, S., Wittkowski, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
behavioural
Biology
Clinical psychologists
Clinical psychology
Developmental disabilities
Developmental Disabilities - genetics
Disabilities
Disability
Female
genenitics
Genetics
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual Disability - genetics
Learning disabled people
Male
Medical models
methodology in research
Molecular Biology
phenotype
Phenotypes
Pilot Projects
Psychologists
Psychology, Clinical
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Summary:Background The current study investigated how ideas and models from the ‘New Genetics’ and associated fields of developmental neuroscience and behavioural phenotypes are perceived by clinical psychologists working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As well as examining the take‐up and influence of such ideas, it also examines barriers, both personal and institutional, to the widespread adoption of such concepts and research findings in services for people with IDD. Methods A Q‐methodology study was undertaken with 31 qualified and 16 trainee clinical psychologists in the North West of England using a specifically developed 81‐item Q set. Results Three factors were identified and labelled Integration of social and medical models, Social model of disability is more helpful and Genetic advances in conflict with recognising the value of people with IDD. Conclusion There was a lack of consensus in clinical psychologists working with people with IDD, with amount and type of professional experience affecting the factor loadings, which may need to be considered in developing clinical applications of genetic IDD research.
ISSN:0964-2633
1365-2788
DOI:10.1111/jir.12261