Patterns of decision-making behaviour by people with intellectual disability: An exploratory study

Abstract

Young adults with intellectual disability were interviewed to obtain sample situations which required decisions. These samples were used to construct ten vignettes, five depicting major decisions and five depicting minor decisions, which were presented to 25 young adults with intellectual disability and 14 university students. Participants were asked to describe what they would do in the vignette and give their reasons. Responses were analysed in terms of three response categories included in a descriptive theory of decision-making. Participants with intellectual disability tended to make fewer vigilant responses and more defensive avoidance or hypervigilant responses, compared to the university students. Response category was related to the type and nature of the decision required, suggesting areas for further research.