Understanding carers’ experiences: a qualitative exploration and meta-ethnography exploring experiences of caring for individuals with intellectual disability

Drew, Eleanor (2025). Understanding carers’ experiences: a qualitative exploration and meta-ethnography exploring experiences of caring for individuals with intellectual disability. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis has been submitted by Eleanor Drew in completion for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD) at the University of Birmingham. The thesis contains three chapters.

Chapter one is a meta-ethnography exploring the experience of support groups for family caregivers of individuals with intellectual disability. The meta-ethnography approach allowed the author to synthesise qualitative research obtained through a systematic literature search. This synthesis revealed three overarching themes related to the benefit of shared experiences, changes experienced by the carers and the group processes. The review highlights the importance of prioritising support groups in this population and provides recommendations for ensuring their effectiveness.

Chapter two is an empirical research paper using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore paid carers lived experience of providing support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disability and harmful sexual behaviour. Six paid carers were interviewed and analysis of transcripts revealed three superordinate themes. The carers spoke of how they have developed to manage the emotional demands of the role, how this can be impacted by people around them, positively and negatively, and the importance of collaborative and client-centred care. Clinical implications are discussed including strategies that may serve to improve carer wellbeing and in turn, client care.

The final chapter of this thesis includes two press release papers aiming to clearly communicate key findings from the previous chapters.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):