Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Attributional styles of support staff working with people with intellectual disabilities exhibiting challenging
Kim J H M van den Bogaard1,2, Henk L I Nijman3,4, Petri J C M Embregts1
1Department Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Background:
Attributions are cognitive variables that influence a person's behaviour. Although a large volume of research has been conducted on the attributions of support staff with regard to challenging behaviour (CB) exhibited by people with intellectual disabilities (ID), studies on patterns of attributional dimensions (i.e. attributional styles) are scarce.
Method:
Using semi-structured interviews, 19 support staff members were asked to describe incidents of aggressive, self-injurious and sexualized challenging behaviour. Data on attributions were analysed using the Leeds Attributional Coding System.
Results:
Four attributional styles differed significantly for aggressive, self-injurious and sexualized challenging behaviour. In addition, support staff members largely attributed these three types of CB to characteristics and behaviour of clients with ID.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that it is important to train support staff to recognize and understand the ways in which their attributions and behaviour influence the existence and maintenance of CB.
Related Concept Videos
Attribution Theory
Fundamental Attribution Error
Theory of Attribution I: Correspondent Inference Theory
Attribution
Theory of Attribution II: Kelley's Covariation Theory
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...

