Participant-produced photography to augment therapeutic interventions for people with intellectual disabilities

This thesis explores the feasibility of participant-produced photography to augment therapeutic interventions for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). A systematic literature review was undertaken to determine the evidence base underpinning the use of participant-produced photography within therapeutic settings. A systematic search of peer-reviewed journals identified 13 relevant papers. Participant-produced photography showed promise, although evidence pertaining specifically to people with ID was sparse. The review concluded that participant-produced photography within therapeutic settings showed promise for people with ID. However, methodological implications rendered it difficult to derive firm conclusions regarding the effectiveness of different approaches. The empirical study undertook a component-analysis, focusing on the ‘values’ element of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes et al., 2011) treatment package. A multiple baseline across participants design (n = 6) was implemented. Self-reported ratings of anxiety, mood, experiential avoidance and life satisfaction were collated via text message every three days. Visual inspection and preliminary statistical analysis of the multiple baseline data indicated minimal effectiveness of a values-based approach in isolation. Photography facilitated clarification of the concept of values. Empirical findings suggest that value-based intervention may be necessary, but not sufficient for therapeutic change. The data are suggestive of relationships that warrant further scrutiny. The study lends support to the use of novel approaches such as photography and text-message data collection for intervention research with people with intellectual disabilities. The findings highlight the potential feasibility of a value-based approach for people with ID, augmented through the use of participant-produced photography to enhance conceptual understanding of the values component of ACT. The authors consider this to be a logical, preliminary step towards the initial basis of an ACT- ID evidence base. Implications for future research and clinical practice are further explored