Completed 2020
USING MINDFULNESS FOR ANGER AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR WITH PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES (UMAA-LD)
Funded by: National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (Research for Public and Patient Benefit)
Professor Robert Jones, Dr Gemma Griffith, Dr Roger Banks, Dr Jonathan Williams, Mrs Rhianon Whitaker,
Mrs Becca Crane (Bangor) and Professor Richard Hastings
Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at increased risk for problems with anger and aggressive behaviour. However, existing psychological therapeutic approaches based on the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) may be less accessible to them. In this project, we will pilot an intervention approach based on the use of mindfulness meditation methods that was developed in the USA by Dr Nirbhay Singh and colleagues. This intervention technique, using a Soles of the Feet meditation, has already been manualised by Dr Singh’s team. We will adapt the intervention manual so that it can be delivered within the UK NHS system, and carry out feasibility and pilot research on this intervention approach. We will also develop and test a measure of “mindfulness” suitable for use with people with ID.