Mental Health Challenges in the ID Population: Causes and Solutions

The ID population are 30–50% more likely to suffer mental health problems (Smiley, 2005). It was also found that mental health problems in the ID population were “not a consequence of their learning disability, but simply because of their increased chances of being exposed to poverty, social exclusion and more challenging family environments” (Emerson and Hatton, 2008 P.7). This then can lead to social isolation which means poor support, and can lead to depression (Lippold & Burns, 2009).

When psychological disorders are being addressed in the ID population it has been shown that the research is weak, but in recent years more attention and focus has been drawn to it. To help deal with symptoms the most common practice shown has been medication but that has its pitfalls. The use of relaxation therapy such as therapeutic approach in conjunction with PA is shown to have the greatest benefits, such as improved self-esteem, with the least

Creating a group fitness program with components that have been shown to be favoured such as the treadmill and strength training can have positive outcomes. This program would also yield a low cost (which removes another barrier) and provides physical and mental benefits.

Sherrill, (1993) describes the term self-concept “as the perception and evaluation of the self”. This then “includes the beliefs, feelings, and intentions that a person holds in regard to self” (Sherrill, 1993). Other psychological terms would fall into this category such as self-esteem, self-worth, self-regard, and self-perception (Sherrill, 1993).

Weiss et al., (2003) research has shown that participation in SO promotes a positive self-concept. This research gives definitive data and validates the work completed by Castagno (2001), Dykens & Cohen (1996), Gibbons & Bushakra (1989), and Wright & Cowden (1986) who all hypothesised these