A systematic review of attachment interventions for people with intellectual disability and their caregivers.

Abstract

Objective: The current mixed-methods systematic review evaluated available literature to find out which attachment-based interventions have been implemented for people with intellectual disability and whether they are efficacious and acceptable.

Methods: Five databases were searched (in July 2023 and April 2024), using terms related to intellectual disability and attachment-based interventions. The search yielded 793 papers; 15 papers (13 studies) met inclusion criteria. Relevant data was extracted from each study. Paper quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesised in an integrative review.

Results: Of the included studies, 7 had people with intellectual disability as participants and 6 had their caregivers. Interventions included education, psychotherapy, technology assisted therapy, video interaction guidance/feedback and circle of security. Research methods varied.

Conclusions: Evidence for efficacy and acceptability of interventions was mixed but promising. Most studies had limited generalisability. Therefore, further research is required. Pre-registration with PROSPERO [351287].