Caregiving and Attachment in ID V4
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Caregiving and Attachment in Parents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
356480
Contact name
Natasha Rall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore attachment and caregiving in parents with intellectual disabilities (ID). The primary research question/aim is whether a modified form of the Caregiving Interview (George & Solomon, 1989) is feasible for parents with ID and whether there is a link between attachment and caregiving. This is clinically relevant, particularly as existing assessment methods for this group often lack accessibility or validation. Understanding this would help contribute to enhancing assessment techniques and ultimately offer a more thorough formulation of a parent’s attachment and caregiving to ensure appropriate decision making and support is offered. This study is considered a feasibility study given that caregiving has not yet been researched in an ID population, as well as whether there is a link between attachment and caregiving.
The study uses three assessment tools: the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP), a modified version of the Caregiving Interview, and the Mothers Object Relations Scale Short-Form (MORS-SF). These measures assess attachment, attachment trauma, caregiving and maternal representation.
Eligible participants are adults aged 18 and over with ID who can consent, who have historically or are currently receiving support from the Specialist Parenting Service (SPS), which is an NHS specialist ID service in Cornwall.
The study will take place in familiar and accessible settings and based on participant preference, such as participants’ homes, GP surgeries, or local Family Hubs.
Each participant will undergo a battery of assessments in person, including the AAP, MORS-SF, and Caregiving Interview. Two Likert scales will be used to understand the accessibility and feasibility of measures, one straight after the assessment battery and another one 4 weeks later (at an optional follow-up meeting). A list of feasibility criteria has been developed which will also be used.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
25/NS/0133
Date of REC Opinion
3 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion