Mammograms and smear tests. How do women with learning disabilities experience these procedures and how can their acceptability and accessibility be improved? AND What makes a good mother? an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the views of women with a learning disability

Kaspar, Phoebe (2016). Mammograms and smear tests. How do women with learning disabilities experience these procedures and how can their acceptability and accessibility be improved? AND What makes a good mother? an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the views of women with a learning disability. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

The first paper is a literature review which examines how women with a learning disability experience breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as how these procedures can be made more acceptable and accessible to them. Fifteen papers are reviewed and critically appraised. Learning disabled women tend to feel anxious at the prospect of these screening tests although for some, it is said to facilitate a feeling of connectedness to a ‘sisterhood’. The presentation of a DVD may be more worthwhile than lengthy classroom interventions in increasing preparedness for screening in this population. Simple adjustments, such as having accessible information, have been shown to make the process of screening more acceptable. Researchers are encouraged to use creative outcome measures which are not knowledge based when conducting research with individuals who have learning disabilities.
The second paper is an empirical study which explores what women with a learning disability think makes a good mother. Eight women with a learning disability were recruited and interviewed on a one-to-one basis. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is used to analyse the resulting data into themes. The women spoke about the variety of skills needed to make a good mother, including an ability to show love and provide sensitive discipline. Many themes mirror principles of Attachment Theory, including an appreciation of reciprocity within a mother-child relationship. Some of the women interviewed feel mothers with a learning disability are stigmatised and are frustrated by this. An unexpected theme around bereavement frequently arose and is also included.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):