Auto-photography & anxiety among people with a learning disability V1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Life through a lens: Auto-photography and anxiety amongst people with learning disabilities, a multiple baseline single case experimental design.
IRAS ID
167267
Contact name
Natalie Boulton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
It is estimated that approximately 10-39% of adults with learning disabilities also experience mental health difficulties including anxiety (Borthwick-Duffy, 1994; Bernal & Hollins, 1995). Further research is necessary in order to explore how language based therapies may be adapted and developed to enable service users to engage with and be effectively supported by such approaches (Jackson-Brown & Hooper, 2009).
Verbal articulation of a description of their lives within a therapeutic setting may be difficult for some individuals with a learning disability, particularly if they are also experiencing anxiety (Erdner & Magnusson, 2009). Ernder, Andersson, Magnusson & Lutzen (2009) conducted a study in which photographs were introduced to create openness between the interviewee and client in an interview setting.
The incorporation of photographs into the therapeutic space has become known as ‘auto-photography,’ a research method that attempts to see the world though someone else’s eyes. This method provides an understanding of what qualities, environments and places are important to individuals in their daily lives.No research to date has investigated the use of auto-photography amongst people with a learning disability. The research will address whether the use of auto-photography in this way affects self-reported levels of mood, anxiety, experiential avoidance and life satisfaction amongst participants with a learning disability that also experience anxiety using multiple baseline single case experimental design methodology. Participants will respond to a four daily SMS text messages rating their mood, anxiety, experiential avoidance and life satisfaction. In accordance with single case experimental design methodology, baseline stability will be obtained prior to commencement of a six session support intervention provided by experienced Betsi Cadwaldar University Health Board (BCUHB) Learning Disability health professionals where the content of the photographs will be explored. Results will help inform therapeutic work and adaptation of traditional psychological approaches for people with a learning disability.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
15/WA/0038
Date of REC Opinion
20 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion