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ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this systematic review was to identify and critically appraise empirical research regarding attachment theory among adults with an intellectual disability.
Method: A systematic search was carried out in Psycinfo and CINHAL databases. Only five studies met selection criteria.
Results: Three main findings were identified: (1) there is a scarcity of empirical research regarding attachment concepts among adults with ID, related to a lack of established measures among this population; (2) there is some evidence that insecure attachment among adults with ID is associated with adverse early life experiences and current mental health difficulties; and (3) there is conflicting evidence that attachment behaviours may present as challenging to supporters.
Conclusions: Further research seeking valid and reliable measures is needed with greater numbers of participants with diverse levels of ID.
KEYWORDS:
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Claudia Scully for her assistance with inter-rater reliability.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.