Experience of social media use in adults with Learning Disabilities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A grounded theory of the experience of adults with learning disabilities who use social media.
IRAS ID
290994
Contact name
Megan Montgomery
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
A grounded theory of the experience of social media use in adults with learning disabilities.\n\nThe objective of this project is to build a theory of the experience of social media use in people with learning disabilities. This area has become particularly relevant due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures which have heightened the need for online communication. Social media now plays a role in many people’s lives and relationships. There are limited studies that have investigated the gains and difficulties experienced by people with learning disabilities when using social media. However, there is currently no theory of social media use in people with learning disabilities. \n\nThis project aims to build a theory through using the Grounded Theory approach, interviewing adults with learning disabilities and the people that are close to them, including family members and professionals. Due to the nature of the research, participants must be able to communicate in full sentences and discuss abstract topics such as relationships. It is hoped that this research will provide an insightful basis for further work in developing guidance for supporting people with learning disabilities to use social media. Participants will be recruited from specialist services, including NHS learning disability services and Mencap. Interviews will be completed on an NHS or Mencap site, or online depending on social distancing restrictions. Participants will be interviewed for up to an hour, and may be contacted for further follow up interviews, possibly by telephone. All participants will be invited to feedback on the results of the study.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
21/IEC08/0006
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion