Spirituality and social networks of people with intellectual and developmental disability

Abstract

Background: Researchers contend that religious and spiritual communities may provide a conduit to friendship for people with IDD. This research explored the interface between social networks and spirituality for individuals with IDD living in either a faith or non-faith based service.

Method: A mixed-methods approach was used including semi-structured interviews, the Social Network Guide and the Spiritual Belief Inventory-15R with individuals with IDD (or staff members who provided their opinions of what individuals who lacked capacity to consent would say if they had capacity). These findings were corroborated with extensive field notes generated from participant observation.

Results: The faith-based group had a higher network size (m = 78) compared to the non-faith based group (m = 44). Those with larger social networks also reported higher SBI-15R scores.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the possible role of social, religious and spiritual activities for expanding individuals’ social networks.