Abstract
BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities have difficulties expressing their views and can manifest psychological and behavioral symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the effects of expressive arts–based intervention (EABI) on the behavioral and emotional well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities.MethodsThis study assigned 109 Chinese adults with intellectual disabilities into EABI (N = 55) or control groups (N = 54) using stratified randomization. Pre- and post-intervention quantitative assessments were conducted of aberrant behaviors, personal well-being, mood and color usage in drawings. Focus group interviews were conducted with the EABI participants and their caseworkers at the post-intervention stage. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance evaluated the EABI effects with age, gender and degree of intellectual disability as covariates, and latent profile analysis examined the patterns of color usage in drawings. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed on the interview data.ResultsThe interview findings suggest that the EABI group was more emotionally expressive and stable after the intervention. Compared to the control group, the EABI group tended to use more diverse colors and leave less empty space in their drawings. No significant overall improvements were found in the EABI group with respect to aberrant behaviors, mood or personal well-being. Among males, the EABI participants showed significantly more anger and less energetic moods than those in the control group. Among females, the EABI participants showed significantly lower levels of aberrant behavior than those in the control group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that expressive arts–based interventions have different effects on the emotional and behavioral well-being of male and female participants. Moreover, increased color usage may imply a more positive state of emotional well-being.
Highlights
Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by considerable deficits in cognitive, functional and adaptive life skills, with an IQ score of 70 or below (Schalock et al, 2010)
The present study aimed to examine the effects of expressive arts–based intervention (EABI) on the behavioral and emotional well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities
The interview findings suggest that the EABI group was more emotionally expressive and stable after the intervention
Summary
Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by considerable deficits in cognitive, functional and adaptive life skills, with an IQ score of 70 or below (Schalock et al, 2010). People with ID generally tend to have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings verbally, which increases the likelihood that they will display their emotions through maladaptive behaviors (e.g., agitated, aggressive and self-injurious behaviors), which causes disruption to social relationships (Antonacci et al, 2008; Got and Cheng, 2008). Resources and support for this population in Hong Kong are limited, for adults (Got and Cheng, 2008). This is because Chinese culture and society emphasize academic and vocational success (Stevenson and Lee, 1996) and tend to have low expectations and hopes for adults with ID, which undoubtedly makes them more vulnerable to psychosocial problems. The present study aimed to examine the effects of expressive arts–based intervention (EABI) on the behavioral and emotional well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities
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