Michael Rutter Centre, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK.
Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2014 May-Jun;49(3):275-87. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12060. Epub 2014 Mar 12.
It is estimated that around 50-90% of people with learning disabilities experience difficulties in communicating. Previous research has linked communication difficulties and self-esteem in other populations, yet this relationship has not previously been investigated for people with Down syndrome.
To explore the relationship between communication and self-esteem in adults with Down syndrome. This research also aimed to offer an empowering and inclusive opportunity for adults with learning disabilities to be involved in research.
METHODS & PROCEDURES: Recruitment took place via a charity established for people with Down syndrome. Twelve adults with Down syndrome and an adult they nominated were approached. A qualitative methodology was selected to explore communication and self-esteem. A thematic analysis focused on the qualitative data collected via semi-structured interviews.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Major themes within the data revealed that a relationship between communication and self-esteem may exist for adults with Down syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATION: This study demonstrated that people with Down syndrome may experience low self-esteem that may be linked to communication. The clinical implications of this are considered and areas for future research are identified.
据估计，大约有 50-90%的学习障碍者在沟通方面存在困难。之前的研究已经将沟通困难与其他人群的自尊心联系起来，但此前尚未对唐氏综合征患者进行过这种关系的研究。
探索唐氏综合征成人中沟通与自尊心之间的关系。这项研究还旨在为学习障碍成年人提供一个赋权和包容的机会，让他们参与研究。
通过一家为唐氏综合征患者设立的慈善机构进行招募。共接触了 12 名唐氏综合征成年人及其他们提名的成年人。选择了定性方法来探索沟通和自尊心。主题分析侧重于通过半结构化访谈收集的定性数据。
数据中的主要主题表明，唐氏综合征成年人之间可能存在沟通与自尊心之间的关系。
本研究表明，唐氏综合征患者可能自尊心较低，这可能与沟通有关。考虑了这对临床的影响，并确定了未来研究的方向。
