An anxious time? : exploring the worries experienced by people with a mild to moderate intellectual disability at the stage of transition to adulthood

• Main Author: Forte, Marisa F.
• Published: University of Glasgow 2009
• Subjects: 616.85; BF Psychology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.513064

Background: This exploratory study examined the content and salience of worries experienced by young people with mild intellectual disabilities (ID) at transition to adulthood. Self-efficacy and anxiety in relation to worry was also examined. Fifty-two participants (17-20 years) took part; 26 with mild ID and 26 typically developing adults. Participants were recruited from a college in Glasgow. Materials and Methods: Of interest were potential differences between groups in i) worries described, ii) salience of worries, and iii) relationship between self-efficacy, anxiety, and worry within groups. Participants completed a ‘worry’ interview, the General Self Efficacy Scale-12, Glasgow Anxiety Scale-LD, and Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Results: People with ID identified different worries from typically developing people. There were also significant differences in rumination and distress between groups, and associations between anxiety and distress. Conclusions: Obtaining insight into worries at transition may facilitate guidance opportunities. Clinical applications of the findings are discussed.