Intellectual Disability: A Critical Concept Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Disability Studies
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Evolving scientific and social constructions of intellectual disability have led to significant terminological and conceptual shifts.
• The term "mental retardation" is being replaced by "intellectual disability" in classification and diagnosis.
• New deinstitutionalized governmentality mechanisms necessitate different clinical models, with limited study in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the concept of intellectual disability considering recent developments.
• To clarify the philosophical underpinnings, influence, and clinical relevance of intellectual disability.
• To examine the ambiguity of the nursing role for individuals with intellectual disability.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis based on a literature review of scientific articles and monographs.
• Poststructuralist approach to deconstruct the concept and its implications.
• Exploration of clinical applications and nursing practice.

Main Results:

• The shift from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability" reflects broader societal and scientific changes.
• New clinical models are emerging, but their application in nursing requires further investigation.
• The nurse's role in supporting individuals with intellectual disability presents ambiguities.

Conclusions:

• An updated understanding of intellectual disability is crucial for contemporary nursing practice.
• The philosophical and clinical dimensions of intellectual disability necessitate ongoing analysis.
• Clarifying the nurse's role is essential for effective and ethical care in this context.