The Impact of Traumatic and Stressful Life Events on the Relatives of Trauma-Exposed Adults with Severe or Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: 'Each Time a Piece of Your Strength Breaks Off'
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| Title: | The Impact of Traumatic and Stressful Life Events on the Relatives of Trauma-Exposed Adults with Severe or Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: 'Each Time a Piece of Your Strength Breaks Off' |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Annemieke Hoogstad (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability. 2026 51(1):63-73. |
| Availability: | Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Adults, Trauma, Severe Intellectual Disability, Moderate Intellectual Disability, Experience, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Incidence, Psychological Patterns, Coping, At Risk Persons, Family Role, Stress Variables |
| DOI: | 10.3109/13668250.2025.2525661 |
| ISSN: | 1366-8250 1469-9532 |
| Abstract: | Background: Adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities frequently experience traumatic events, placing them at higher risk for trauma-related disorders. Although these events also affect their relatives, their experiences have not been studied. Method: Thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with eight first-degree relatives of adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities who had experienced traumatic events, as identified through a trauma interview. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) the impact varied, with some relatives developing trauma-related symptoms; (2) characteristics of events in terms of severity and frequency, accompanied by feelings of helplessness, guilt, and inadequacy; (3) coping strategies, including social support, persevering and avoidance; and (4) the link between impact and long-term care for the client, potentially increasing relatives' susceptibility to complaints. Conclusion: Professionals must be aware of the effects of trauma on relatives of individuals with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities. Further research needs to explore differences among relatives. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505395 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities frequently experience traumatic events, placing them at higher risk for trauma-related disorders. Although these events also affect their relatives, their experiences have not been studied. Method: Thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with eight first-degree relatives of adults with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities who had experienced traumatic events, as identified through a trauma interview. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) the impact varied, with some relatives developing trauma-related symptoms; (2) characteristics of events in terms of severity and frequency, accompanied by feelings of helplessness, guilt, and inadequacy; (3) coping strategies, including social support, persevering and avoidance; and (4) the link between impact and long-term care for the client, potentially increasing relatives' susceptibility to complaints. Conclusion: Professionals must be aware of the effects of trauma on relatives of individuals with severe or moderate intellectual disabilities. Further research needs to explore differences among relatives. |
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| ISSN: | 1366-8250 1469-9532 |
| DOI: | 10.3109/13668250.2025.2525661 |
