Role Of Therapist Research Articles

Perceptions of Physical Therapy and The Role of Physical Therapists In Injury Prevention Among Professional Basketball Players: A Qualitative Study.

Injury prevention is critical in competitive professional sports, however, the role of physical therapists in this aspect of healthcare is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to describe professional basketball players' perceptions of physical therapy (PT) and physical therapists' role in injury prevention. Qualitative, semi-structured interview. Thirty-five professional basketball players (mean age 23.1 years ± 3.9; 42% female; 72% African American; 90% college graduates) from over 20 teams participated. Athletes participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on injury prevention and utilization of PT services. Two researchers coded the transcripts, organized the findings into general categories, and created major themes. Data saturation was reached when no new information emerged. Over half (62.9%) stated that PT mainly addressed post-injury and return-to-sport rehabilitation. An overwhelming majority of players highlighted the use of an athletic trainer (AT) over physical therapists in injury prevention due to perceived expertise and trust. While PTs are educated in preventive care and acute injury management, professional basketball players viewed their role primarily for return-to-sport rehabilitation. The organizational structure of healthcare in professional basketball may promote closer professional relationships with ATs while limiting those with physical therapists. The result is that elite athletes may miss out on treatment specific to the PT profession. Level 4.

Current Perspectives on the Evolving Role of Radiation Therapists – Highlights from ESTRO23

Radiation therapists, also called Therapeutic Radiographers or Radiation therapy technologists (RTTs) are uniquely placed within the radiotherapy (RT) multidisciplinary team, as the use the technology and deliver the treatment but they are also patient focused. The implementation of technological advancements such as image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), adaptive radiotherapy (ART), surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT), and AI-based solutions necessitates acquiring new skills and competences. RTTs' daily involvement in patient's treatment allows the assessment of their needs and perspectives. Implementing a holistic approach to patients' comfort during RT, beyond positioning and immobilisation, reduces anxiety and increases compliance. The RTTs offer valuable feedback regarding potential challenges or improvements after new technology or new procedures’ implementation, essential for the enhancement of these innovations. Complex educational interventions focused on modern technology, communication and research competencies are required so that RTTs can optimally fulfil their essential role in cancer care.

Implementation of Nutritional Assessment and Counseling in Physical Therapy Treatment: An Anonymous Cross-Sectional Survey.

In the context of the evolving role of Physical Therapists (PTs) in health promotion, this study explored the incorporation of nutritional assessment and counseling into PTs' professional practice in Israel. Using an anonymous cross-sectional survey design, the research gauged PTs' professional background, nutritional knowledge, lifestyle habits, and the extent of nutritional care integration. Our survey gathered data from 409 certified PTs in Israel, revealing inadequate nutritional knowledge, commendable nutritional lifestyles, and limited nutritional care integration. Participants with over 13 years of clinical experience demonstrated significantly higher levels of nutritional assessment and counseling integration within their physical therapy practices. Workplace setting, nutritional lifestyle, and nutritional knowledge emerged as significant predictors for nutritional care integration. Specifically, working in outpatient clinics and possessing better nutritional lifestyles and knowledge were associated with the increased integration of nutritional assessment and counseling within physical therapy practice. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and formal nutrition education to bridge the knowledge gaps and optimize patient care. These results advocate for comprehensive nutrition education in physical therapy curricula and the fostering of PTs as role models. Integrating nutrition care could empower PTs to enhance patient outcomes and fulfill their role in preventive healthcare.

Data mining techniques in psychotherapy: applications for studying therapeutic alliance

Therapeutic Alliance (TA) has been consistently reported as a robust predictor of therapy outcomes and is one of the most investigated therapy relational factors. Research on therapists' and clients’ contributions to the alliance development and the alliance-outcome relationship had shown mixed results. The relation of the therapist’s and client’s biological markers with the alliance is an important and under-investigated topic. Taking advantage of data mining techniques, this exploratory study aimed to investigate the role of different therapist and client factors, including heart rate (HR) and electrodermal activity (EDA), in relation to TA. Twenty-two dyads with 6 therapists and 22 clients participated in the study. The Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) was used to evaluate the client’s and therapist's perception of the alliance at the end of each session and through the therapy processes. The Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) was used to explore patterns that may contribute to TA. Machine Learning (ML) models have been employed to provide insights into the predictors and correlates of TA. Our results showed that Linear Regression (LR) was the best technique for predicting the therapist’s TA, with client “Diagnostic” and therapy “Termination” being identified as significant predictors of the therapist’s TA. In addition, for clients’ TA, the Random Forest (RF) was shown to have the best performance. The therapist’s TA and therapy “Outcome” were observed as the most influential predictors for the client’s TA. In addition, while the Heart Rate (therapist) was negatively associated with the therapist’s TA, EDA in the client was a physiological indicator related to the client’s TA. Overall, these findings can assist in identifying key factors that therapists should focus on to enhance the quality of therapeutic alliance. Results are discussed in terms of their consistency with empirical literature, innovative and interdisciplinary research on the therapeutic alliance field, and, in particular, the use of the Data Mining approach in a psychotherapy context.

Partnering for Change: collaborating to transform occupational therapy services that support inclusive education.

The United Nations champions inclusive education as a moral obligation, requiring equitable learning environments that meet all individuals' diverse learning needs and abilities, including children and youth. Yet the practice of inclusive education is variable and implementation challenges persist. A participatory action research framework was used to develop a solution, Partnering for Change (P4C), which is a tiered service delivery model that bridges health and education by re-envisioning occupational therapy services and transforming the role of the occupational therapist from a service provider for individual children to a collaborative partner supporting the whole school community. This perspective article will describe the P4C model and its evolution, and will outline how it has been implemented in Canadian and international contexts to facilitate children's inclusion and participation in educational settings.

Prevalence, Knowledge, and Perceived Impact of Urinary Incontinence in Female Collegiate Athletes

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent among collegiate female athletes at much higher rates than in sedentary women. Athletes participating in high-impact sports have a greater risk of UI, which can negatively impact performance. Objectives: The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the prevalence of UI among female collegiate athletes, (2) to evaluate the impact of incontinence on individual function and perceived athletic performance, and (3) to determine athletes' awareness of physical therapist management of UI. Study Design: An observational, cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used. Methods: Two hundred seventy-nine female collegiate student athletes were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey included informed consent, questions about age and athletic participation, and questions about participants' experience with UI and knowledge of pelvic floor physical therapy. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify frequencies for age and sports/athletic participation. Frequencies for all variables were used as an exploratory measure to assess sample characteristics. Pearson correlation analyses were used to examine relationships between demographic variables and survey responses. Results: Online surveys were received from 52 respondents. Twenty-one (40.4%) reported never experiencing UI. In those who did report UI, it was consistent with activities related to stress UI. Most respondents were not aware that physical therapists treat pelvic floor dysfunction including UI. Conclusion: Prevalence of UI among female college athletes was consistent with prior research. More education is needed in this population on the impact and treatment of UI, including the role of physical therapists.

AN OVERVIEW ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG ADOLESCENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: A SCOPING REVIEW

Sexuality issues are rarely discussed in Malaysia and are considered taboo and culturally inappropriate. Sexuality is divided into three components; sexual behaviour, biological influences, and making sense of sexuality. Sexual behaviour is classed into non-coital sexual behaviour (e.g., fantasy, masturbation) and sexual intercourse (e.g., partners, sexual coercion). Note that sexual behaviour is individuals’ experiences of sexual feeling or expression, while any sexual activity that raises the possibility of getting pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is referred to as risky sexual behaviour (RSB). This scoping review is conducted to determine sexual behaviours among adolescents with special needs, to investigate factors of their sexual behaviours, and to determine the need for sexuality education and the potential roles of occupational therapists (OTs) in managing their behaviours. The author independently searched through databases, for instance, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, as well as PubMed, and 17 studies, met the criteria and were reviewed. Masturbation, inappropriate gestures and exhibitionism were common sexual behaviours among adolescents with special needs. Such behaviours were caused by a lack of sexual understanding, sexual knowledge and awareness, and pornography addiction. This review contributes to developing interventions that solve challenging sexual behaviour, rule OT roles in sexuality and guide parents with obligatory educational support in delivering sexual knowledge to their children.

‘We didn’t realise how much we needed you'. Speech and language therapy provision in adult mental health settings

ABSTRACT Objective Communication is fundamental to mental health services for every patient, caregiver and clinician interaction. Without adequate communication skills, the aspiration to inclusion, engagement and recovery is likely to fail. Speech and language therapists provide specialist knowledge directly with patients, and indirectly via clinicians and caregivers. The objective of this study was to explore current UK provision and practice of speech and language therapists supporting working age adults with mental health conditions. Method A ten question online survey was shared on social media and sent to a network of speech and language therapists interested in mental health services in September 2019. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics supported by free text survey responses. Results From survey closing in March 2020, 96 responses were received from across the four UK nations describing widely varying services. Respondents reported concerning gaps in SLT provision, other professions not understanding the SLT role, but over 75% of respondents reported multidisciplinary ways of working. Discussion Risks associated with communication impairment are often overlooked. The understanding of mental health professionals about the role of speech and language therapists is patchy. Highlighting awareness amongst the mental health workforce about communication impairment will improve access to treatment and care for all patients.

Talking and making meaning about parental mental health problems: The role of children's family caregivers.

When a parent is less able to meet their children's needs due to a severe and enduring mental health problem (MHP), other adult family members often help with childcare. We present a Grounded Theory of how children's family caregivers construct meaning about the parental MHP and communicate about it with children. Nineteen caregivers participated in qualitative interviews. Each supported at least one related child aged 4-17 years with a parent with MHPs. We found that caregivers engaged in a Core Social Process of providing protection in uncertainty. This comprised three categories as follows: shaping the interactional space, communicating through the developmental process, and engendering a sense of safety. Caregivers appeared to act from a Key Social Positioning of developing a caregiver identity. The findings implicate family-focused provision of mental health and social care. Clinical recommendations are made for whole-family interventions and the role of marital and family therapists.

Neuro-behavioural changes after acquired brain injury: The role of the occupational therapist; the interventions they use and why.

Almost half of the people living with acquired brain injury experience behavioural changes, yet there is lack of clarity both in the literature, and through major stakeholders internationally, regarding how occupational therapists contribute to neuro-behavioural rehabilitation and what their role is in this context. This study answers the research question: What do occupational therapists perceive as their role in behavioural rehabilitation with adults living with acquired brain injury, and what treatment approaches, if any, are they using to promote occupation? A national, qualitative, bounded case study design using semi-structured interviews was used to explore what the role of the occupational therapist is in neuro-behavioural rehabilitation across subacute brain injury units in Australia. Four themes were identified which provide clarification on the role of the occupational therapist in neuro-behavioural rehabilitation: You change the task, you change the environment, change the person; build a safe rapport; the sensory stuff is huge and, finally, owning how we think. This bounded case study provides insight into how occupational therapists perceive their role and the interventions they use to promote occupational engagement. The lack of recognition of the occupational therapist role is a barrier to providing appropriate neuro-behavioural rehabilitation. This case study identified sensory approaches, building safe rapport and adapting the environment as the main interventions used in neuro-behavioural rehabilitation by occupational therapists.

A Qualitative Synthesis Exploring the Potential Role for Mental Health Occupational Therapists Working with Patients in Seclusion

Despite guidance to minimize restrictive practice within the UK, seclusion and long-term segregation are necessary to maintain the safety of patients and clinicians. There is little evidence to guide the work of occupational therapists with secluded patients. A literature search identified seven papers that met the study inclusion criteria. A deductive approach to thematic analysis was conducted using the ‘Model of Human Occupation’ as a theoretical framework to identify issues related to occupational need during a period of seclusion. Findings indicate ways in which occupational therapists could engage with patients in seclusion and suggest a need for future research.

Developing a theory of social art therapy: Insights from the context of crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, art therapists used new methods, materials, and techniques to help address the needs of community members. The practices that emerged from art therapy while adjusting to the pandemic, created new perspectives and ways to re-theorize and re-energize community art therapy engagement. As the acute stage of the pandemic passes, the art therapy profession can take this opportunity to pause and explore the new practice-based knowledge and techniques developed “on the ground” during the acute crisis and canonize them by connecting practice to the growing body of theory on social art therapy. This paper will help conceptualize, articulate, and thus demystify these developments, anchoring them to social theories of community. This paper will integrate setting, role of art, role of art therapists, ethical considerations, and evaluation, into social theories, describing specific features of a new theory of social art therapy in the context of community crises.

Integrated knowledge-translation in occupational therapists working with high-risk infants in South Africa: An explorative qualitative inquiry

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study explored the knowledge to practice gaps of occupational therapists who have a vital role in neurodevelopmental supportive care for high-risk infants METHODS: Via purposive sampling, 17 therapists working in public health in South Africa were recruited to participate in virtual focus groups. Data were thematically analysed using a hybrid approach FINDINGS: Five themes emerged, which included (i) occupational therapy and neonatal care in the public health sector, (ii) knowledge acquisition and knowledge synthesis, (iii) knowledge translation and utilisation, (iv) contextual barriers and adaptation and (v) the ideal occupational therapist in the ideal neonatal setting. Facilitators, inhibitors, referrals, and interest in occupational therapy neonatal care were also highlighted CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge to practice gaps in occupational therapy include insufficient training, a decreased interest in neonatal care, staff shortages, multi-disciplinary team rotations and a reduced understanding of the professional role and scope of occupational therapy. Resources, training, and policy development appear to be necessary to inform a standard of care Implication for practice The role of the occupational therapist in supporting high risk infants is generally limited and remains somewhat unknown in current South African contexts. It is essential to identify knowledge-to-practice gaps for occupational therapists supporting high-risk infants in the public health sector for successful implementation of neurodevelopmental supportive care. By the exploration of practitioner opinions and insight through appreciating the role of the occupational therapist in managing high risk infants, contextually specific and relevant knowledge translation interventions may be developed and implemented which have implications for evidence-based practice and more successful outcomes in the high-risk infant.

Efficacy of integrating a semi-immersive virtual device in the HABIT-ILE intervention for children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe implementation of virtual devices can facilitate the role of therapists (e.g., patient motivation, intensity of practice) to improve the effectiveness of treatment for children with cerebral palsy. Among existing therapeutic devices, none has been specifically designed to promote the application of principles underlying evidence-based motor skill learning interventions. Consequently, evidence is lacking regarding the effectiveness of virtual-based sessions in motor function rehabilitation with respect to promoting the transfer of motor improvements into daily life activities. We tested the effectiveness of implementing a recently developed virtual device (REAtouch®), specifically designed to enable the application of therapeutic motor skill learning principles, during a Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) intervention.MethodsForty children with unilateral cerebral palsy (5–18 years; MACS I-III; GMFCS I-II) were randomly assigned to a control group or a “REAtouch®” experimental group for a 90-h HABIT-ILE day-camp intervention (two weeks). Children in the REAtouch® group spent nearly half of their one-on-one therapeutic time using the REAtouch®. Participants underwent three testing sessions: the week before (T1), after intervention (T2), and at three months follow-up (T3). The primary outcome was the Assisting Hand Assessment (T3–T1; blinded). Secondary outcomes measured uni-bimanual hand function, stereognosis, gait endurance, daily life abilities, and functional goals. Accelerometers and a manual report of daily activities served to document therapeutic dosage and treatment characteristics. We used one-way RMANOVA to compare the efficacies of the two interventions, and non-inferiority analyses to contrast changes in the “REAtouch®” group versus the “HABIT-ILE” control group.ResultsWe found significant improvements in both groups for most of the outcome measures (p < 0.05). There was significant non-inferiority of changes in the REAtouch® group for upper extremities motor function, functional goals attainment, and abilities in daily life activities (p < 0.05).ConclusionsUse of the REAtouch® device during HABIT-ILE showed non-inferior efficacy compared to the conventional evidence-based HABIT-ILE intervention in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using this virtual device in a high dosage camp model, and establishes the possibility of applying the therapeutic principles of motor skill learning during specifically designed virtual-based sessions.Trial registration: Trial registration number: NCT03930836-Registration date on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP): June 21th, 2018; Registration date on NIH Clinical Trials Registry: April 29th, 2019. First patient enrollment: July 3rd, 2018.

Music Therapy and Korsakoff's Syndrome: The State of the Art.

In this perspective article, the authors give insight into the beneficial effects and the current developments in music therapy for patients with Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) in the Netherlands. Music may be the key to distracting patients from negative moods, to help them express emotions and to teach them new skills on physical, psychosocial and cognitive levels. This may lead to improving the quality of life of patients with KS. Emphasis is placed on the personal experience of the authors and on the future directions in the field. Their experience, as well as the experience of music therapy colleagues working in the field with the same target population (joined together in the Music Therapy Korsakoff Expertise Group), is situated in the context of existing literature and showcases current developments in the specific field of music therapy and KS. Since literature on this specific topic is limited, the authors allowed themselves to delve into somewhat older but still leading and representative literature. There is still little knowledge on how music therapy may contribute to reducing the impairments patients with KS suffer and to improving their quality of life in general. Using the Empathic Directive Approach (EDA) as the starting point, the authors elaborate on different potential approaches and interventions. With this article, the authors aim to gain more insight into the potential role of the music therapist by highlighting music-therapeutic micro-interventions and to provide recommendations for future directions on how to integrate music therapy in the treatment of patients with Korsakoff's syndrome.

Creating the conditions for robust early language development for all: Part two: Evidence informed public health framework for child language in the early years.

One of the most significant developmental accomplishments is the emergence of language in early childhood. Whilst this process is effortless for most children, others can face significant hurdles. Identifying, in the early years, which children will go on to have developmental language disorder is, however, fraught with several well-documented challenges. In the preceding paper we described and linked new research evidence about factors that influence language development in the early years, noting that exposure to some may be time sensitive and that these influences cluster together and can accumulate over time. We demonstrated that risk profiles were associated with and characterised low language trajectories, and we considered how this information could be integrated into a concept that moves beyond screening at single time points in the early years. We argue that this evidence might be used to build an improved early years framework for language thereby creating a more equitable surveillance system that does not leave children living in less advantageous circumstances behind. Underpinning this thinking was a bioecological framework that incorporates the social, environmental and family factors in the child's ecosystem known to influence language development in the early years. To develop a proposal for the design and implementation of an early language public health framework based on current best evidence METHODS: We synthesised the findings from the companion paper (Reilly & McKean 2023) regarding early language trajectories, inequalities and clustering of risks with key public health concepts, relevant intervention evidence and implementation theories to develop a new framework for language surveillance and preventative interventions in the early years. An evidence informed early language public health framework is presented. Describing in turn (1) essential components; (2) relevant interventions; (3) essential qualities for implementation ((i) probabilistic, (ii) proportionate, (iii) developmental and sustained and (iv) codesigned); (4) system-level structures and (5) processes required to adopt and embed an early language public health framework in an existing Local Government Area's child health surveillance and early prevention-intervention systems. Children's language development influences their life chances across the life course and language difficulties are unfairly distributed across society. Current evidence points to the need for whole systems approaches to early child language and enables a blueprint for such a framework to be described. What is already known on the subject Early child language development sets the stage for a child's life chances and language difficulties can have profound long-term consequences. Such difficulties are unfairly distributed across society and the reach of preventative services is not universal or equitable. Several effective primary and secondary preventative interventions exist but their successful implementation is not straightforward. An early language public health framework of surveillance and intervention is described to provide equitable and effective early interventions to children from 0-4 years. We detail the essential components, interventions and qualities of that framework and describe system-level structures and processes required to adopt and embed an early language public health framework in a given locality. WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WORK?: A whole systems approach to early child language is required and should be co-designed through local collaboration with family, community and children's services stakeholders. A public health speech and language therapist role could catalyse the implementation of such approaches and support continuous improvement.

The role of speech-language therapists with children and young people who have experienced maltreatment: a systematized review

ABSTRACT A growing body of research highlights the increased risk of communication disorders for children and young people (CYP) who have experienced maltreatment. Provision of communication support for maltreated CYP is endorsed by a number of professional speech pathology associations; however, research describing the role and practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with this population is limited. This systematized review aims to describe the role of SLPs when working with CYP who have experienced maltreatment, how SLPs are using their skills and knowledge with this population, and the factors that influence clinical practice. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases. A total of 12 studies met inclusion criteria. These articles were critiqued, and meaningful themes were generated using reflexive thematic analysis. The thematic analysis revealed two themes and three subthemes: (1) SLPs use their skills in flexible ways to meet the complex needs of CYP who have experienced maltreatment: (a) assessment considerations, (b) models of practice, and (c) SLPs strive to provide trauma-informed care; and (2) Clinician-level and service-level factors influence SLP’s clinical practice with this population. High rates of communication difficulties for maltreated CYP highlights an important role for SLPs in the provision of targeted and universal support with this population. Further research is required to not only inform evidence-based clincial approaches for SLPs, but to also advocate for the role of SLPs in the early identification and prevention of the adverse impacts of child maltreatment.

The dual role dilemma of liver transplantation health care professionals

BackgroundSimilar to many other countries, in Germany patients with alcohol-related liver disease are obliged to prove their abstinence before being accepted on a waitlist for liver transplantation. Health care professionals (HCPs) must both treat patients and ensure that patients have proven their abstinence. The aim of this exploratory study was to develop a deeper understanding of how HCPs deal with this dual role.MethodsThe study used semi-structured interviews as the source of data. 11 healthcare professionals from ten of the 22 German transplant centers were interviewed. After transcription, a qualitative content analysis was performed.ResultsWe found that these HCPs faced an ethical dilemma, as they must balance the roles of being both a treatment provider (the therapist role) and an assessor (the monitoring role). To solve this dilemma, the strategy seems to be a tendency for the HCPs to take on one dominant role amongst these two roles. HCPs who prefer to take on the therapist role seem to feel burdened by the 6-month abstinence rule and the obligation to monitor their patients. HCPs who prefer to take on the monitoring role tend to have negative assumptions about the patients. HCPs also reported the impression that patients perceive HCPs as more involved in monitoring and less open to the therapeutic role. From this it can be deduced that current regulations and structures lead both to stress for HCPs and to suboptimal therapy for those affected.ConclusionsThe results showed that current transplantation guidelines can have a negative impact on both patient care and the burdens on the HCPs. From our point of view, there are various changes that could be made to the current clinical practice that would help solve this dilemma. For instance, integrating other assessment criteria that are more closely adapted to the health status trajectory and psychosocial background of the individual patient would be both possible and would lead to improvements in practice.

Navigating an Internship at a Residential Education and Medical Centre in Rural Kenya

Little has been written from the perspective of a Kenyan student completing a music therapy internship at a mental rehabilitation institution in rural Kenya. At the time of writing this essay, music therapy was still not recognized as a profession in Kenya. This observation inspired me to fill a knowledge gap, encourage students to share their own experiences, and in the process, encourage aspiring music therapist students pioneering in other parts of Africa. I have divided my learnings into five themes based on my reflexive notes: (1) Mindset: Something out of nothing, (2) A staggered internship, (3) Transferring theory to practice, (4) Navigating workplace culture, and (5) Cultural sensitivity and musical multicultural competence. I advise the reader to take into conside­ration that these are my thoughts as a student undergoing a transformation. The essay not only describes my journey as an intern, but also provides me with a template for further reflections in my work as a music therapist. Compiling this essay has taught me that words on paper carry significant weight and have the ability to bring resolution to a problem or propagate it further. Through the internship, I came to learn that it is the role of music therapists to see beyond adversity; ignite hope where there is despair, and hold on to a future of possibilities.

Couple relationship experiences of siblings and siblings-in-law of persons with intellectual disabilities.

This study examined how siblings and siblings-in-law of persons with intellectual disabilities experience the establishment of and processes within the couple relationship. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 12 siblings and 12 siblings-in-law of persons with intellectual disabilities were analysed using thematic analysis. The participants did not perceive their special siblinghood as detrimental to their couple relationships. Siblings-in-law's prior acquaintance with persons with disabilities and professional support provided to the family of origin emerged as contributing factors. The effect of the siblinghood on the couple relationship was both positive and negative. The findings support the importance of the acceptance of others who are different, including in couple relationships when a sibling or sibling-in-law has intellectual disabilities, and underscore the role of professional therapists.