Effects of a self-management training for people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background: To help people with intellectual disabilities lead a more independent life, it is important to promote their self-management. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a self-management training for people with intellectual disabilities directed at independent functioning in daily life. Method: In the training, 17 people with intellectual disabilities worked on personal self-management goals covering a wide range of everyday affairs. Primary outcome measures focused on goal attainment, independence and support needs. Moreover, outcomes regarding psychopathological behaviour and quality of life were explored. Data were collected before and at the start of the training, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months later. Results: The training contributed to the attainment of self-management goals and to the reduction in support needs (p < 0.01). There were no changes in independence, psychopathological behaviour and quality of life. Conclusions: Results indicate that the training supports people with intellectual disabilities to self-manage their daily affairs.