Responses to bullying among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Support needs and...

Compared to the general population, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) more often experience bullying and its negative social and emotional impacts. Prior studies explored bullying of individuals with IDD primarily through investigations of the perspectives of others and the negative impacts of bullying. The current study examined how individuals with IDD describe their responses to experiences of bullying, with a focus on whether responses included component skills of self-determination.

Eighteen adults with IDD (50% female) aged 18-63 years were interviewed about their experiences with bullying. Interviews were analysed to determine responses to bullying and the degree to which their responses demonstrated self-determination.

Data analysis revealed two primary themes, outside support and self-determination, with additional subthemes.

Findings provide a more nuanced description of the ways in which individuals with IDD respond to bullying, including the demonstration of self-determination skills. Implications for research and practice are discussed.