Are narrative therapy groups effective for people with intellectual disabilities? A critical review of the literature
Tizard Learning Disability Review
ISSN: 1359-5474
Article publication date: 23 November 2020
Issue publication date: 14 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Narrative therapy has been suggested as particularly relevant to people with intellectual disability (ID), with group formats potentially offering additional benefits. This paper aims to critically review studies which evaluated narrative group interventions for people with ID.
Design/methodology/approach
The seven papers identified for review were critically appraised for their quality using a quality appraisal tool appropriate to their design, along with additional factors including adaptations made to improve accessibility.
Findings
The studies suggest that there may be some small benefits of narrative group therapy for those with ID. However, alongside issues limiting the studies’ evaluations, it is noted that the research paradigms used in the studies conflict with narrative approaches.
Research limitations/implications
The limited evidence base suggests the need for further research. The randomised controlled trial would ordinarily be seen as the gold standard for such research. However, narrative interventions may require a different approach to evaluation.
Originality/value
This is the first review of published literature on the evaluation of narrative therapy groups for people with ID.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This review was initially written as a university coursework submission, hence the solo authorship and no funding
Citation
McKenzie-Smith, L. (2020), "Are narrative therapy groups effective for people with intellectual disabilities? A critical review of the literature", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 213-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-05-2020-0008
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited