“Is it because I’m gormless?” A commentary on “Narrative therapy in a learning disability context: a review”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on “Narrative therapy in a learning disability context: a review”.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary reflects on the use of Narrative therapy and considers it in the wider context of assisting people with learning disabilities to develop self-understanding. The commentary makes connections between the use of Narrative therapy and narrative approaches to research reporting.

Findings

The use of Narrative therapy can assist in the development of positive personal stories for individuals with learning disabilities. Case study research provides a useful reference point from which to develop future work. Reporting of case studies sometimes omits data that might be useful for others attempting to replicate findings.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the need for authors to ensure that the “small details” are included in research reporting. A narrative approach, rich in detail of research participants might enable authors to tell a “thicker” story, thus improving generalisability.

Citation

Olsen, A. (2015), "“Is it because I’m gormless?” A commentary on “Narrative therapy in a learning disability context: a review”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 130-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-03-2015-0012