Abstract
Introduction: Emotional and behavioral problems are common in adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID). Basic Psychological Needs Theory connects fulfillment of basic psychological needs (autonomy, relatedness, competence) to ill-being (mental health problems). The associations between the frustration and satisfaction of basic psychological needs and indicators of mental health problems are the subject of this study. Method: Adolescents with MBID (N = 324, mean age 15.2 years), filled out questionnaires on basic psychological needs (BPNSFS-ID) and on anxiety (SCARED), depression (CDI) and aggression (Externalizing Problems scale of YSR). A subgroup of adolescents with MBID and severe behavioral problems (MBID-SBP) was compared to a general subgroup (MBID-G). Results: Outcomes for adolescents with MBID-SBP were worse than for adolescents with MBID-G on most measures. BPNSFS-ID frustration was positively associated with mental health problems. Correlations for the BPNSFS-ID satisfaction scales were positive but weaker. Associations within the MBID-SBP subgroup were stronger than for the MBID-G subgroup. Discussion: Frustration of BPN in particular is associated with mental health problems. Attending basic psychological needs may potentially help to counter ill-being.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 138-157 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 30 Jul 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords
- adolescents
- aggression
- anxiety
- Basic psychological needs (BPN)
- BPNSFS-ID
- depression
- externalizing behavior
- MBID
- mental health