ARC Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Quality of Life in a Forensic Intellectual Disability Service
IRAS ID
360805
Contact name
Mary Lavelle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to understand the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities who also have forensic needs (for example, people who have been involved with the criminal justice system and are receiving specialist support). The research focuses on individuals who attend structured day opportunities within a forensic learning disability service.
There is currently limited research exploring the experiences of people who have both intellectual disabilities and forensic needs. Most studies look at these groups separately. There is also little research examining services that combine structured day activities, therapeutic relationships, and outdoor or farm-based activities. However, existing evidence suggests that spending time in green spaces, developing practical skills, and engaging in meaningful group activities can improve wellbeing. This study will explore how people experience this type of service and whether they feel it supports their quality of life. Quality of life refers to a person’s sense of wellbeing, independence, relationships, and overall satisfaction with their daily life.
The research will use a qualitative design, meaning it focuses on personal experiences rather than numbers or measurements. Participants will take part in a one-to-one semi-structured interview (a guided conversation using open questions). The interviews will explore how they understand and make sense of their experiences. The analysis method used is called Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, which is a way of carefully examining how individuals describe their lived experiences.
Participants will be adults with intellectual disabilities who attend the service and are able to give informed consent. The study will take place within one specialist forensic learning disability service. The findings may help improve understanding of what supports quality of life in forensic and specialist intellectual disability services and may inform future service development.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
26/WS/0047
Date of REC Opinion
2 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion