Effects of positive behaviour support delivered by direct staff on challenging behaviours and quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities: A multicentre cluster-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Effects of staff provided positive behaviour support (PBS) for individuals with intellectual disabilities are unclear.

Method: Using a multicentre non-randomised cluster controlled design, 26 teams of residential group homes, including 245 staff members of 167 individuals with intellectual disabilities, were allocated to a PBS or control group. Conducting multilevel analyses (n = 123) we examined individuals' changes in irritability, other challenging behaviours and quality of life.

Results: Compared to controls, irritability did not significantly decrease more in the intervention group, but lethargic behaviours did. Personal development and self-determination significantly increased. Irritability of individuals in the PBS group with higher levels of irritability or lower levels of intellectual disability significantly reduced more compared to controls.

Conclusions: PBS was effective in reducing irritability of individuals with severe levels of irritability or intellectual disabilities. Moreover, PBS decreased lethargic behaviours and improved several domains of quality of life.

Keywords: challenging behaviours; intellectual disabilities; positive behaviour support; quality of life; staff; training.