Using cognitive and behavioural strategies to support a man with mild–moderate learning disabilities navigate the dual process model of grief: A clinical case study

Luis Calabria, Claire Cheswick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Background: People with learning disabilities experience bereavement in the same emotionally overwhelming way as the general population. The Dual-Process Model of grief is characterised by the oscillation between Loss-Orientation and Restoration-Orientation. These processes involve experiencing and accepting the emotional pain of grief (Loss-Orientation) and adapting to a new world without the deceased person (Restoration-Orientation). Methods: A single case study sought to explore how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) principles can be used to support people with a learning disability to navigate the grieving process, as understood by the Dual-Process Model. Findings: This case study describes CBT formulation and assessment, and implementation of CBT and CFT strategies in a man with Williams syndrome, demonstrating improvements in mood, and a greater ability to turn towards suffering and experience both Loss- and Restoration-Oriented processing. Conclusion: CBT and CFT may be useful and appropriate modalities for clinicians to consider when supporting people with a learning disability to navigate loss, as understood through the Dual Process Model.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)597-607
Number of pages11
JournalBritish Journal Of Learning Disabilities
Volume51
Issue number4
Early online date16 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2023

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Keywords

  • bereavement
  • intellectual disability
  • learning (intellectual) disabilities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics
  • Phychiatric Mental Health

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