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We just call them people: positive regard as a dimension of culture in group homes for people with severe intellectual disability

Bigby, C., Knox, M., Beadle-Brown, Julie, Clement, T. (2015) We just call them people: positive regard as a dimension of culture in group homes for people with severe intellectual disability. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 28 (4). pp. 283-295. ISSN 1360-2322. E-ISSN 1468-3148. (doi:10.1111/jar.12128) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:43190)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jar.12128

Abstract

BACKGROUND

A dimension of the culture in group homes is staff regard for residents. In underperforming group homes, staff regard residents as being not 'like us' (Bigby, Knox, Beadle-Brown, Clement & Mansell, 2012). We hypothesized the opposite pole of this dimension, in higher performing group homes, would be that staff regard residents positively.

METHOD

Three in-depth qualitative case studies were conducted in higher performing group homes using participant observation, interviews and document review.

RESULTS

Consistent pattern of staff practices and talk, as well as artefacts, demonstrated staff had a positive regard for residents, who were seen as being 'like us'. Explicit and continuing attention was given to sustaining positive regard for residents in everyday staff practices and to turning abstract values into concrete realities.

CONCLUSIONS

This positive cultural norm was established, operationalized and embedded through structures, such as a formal policy about language, and processes such as peer monitoring and practice leadership.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/jar.12128
Uncontrolled keywords: culture, group homes, staff practices, supported accommodation
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Julie Beadle-Brown
Date Deposited: 06 Oct 2014 11:31 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 10:27 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/43190 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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