Emotional Reactions of Professionals to Challenging Behaviors in People with Intellectual Disabilities: a Qualitative Study

Challenging behaviours (CB) in people with intellectual disabilities are a key challenge in residential environments, among other factors due to their emotional impact on support staff. The objective of this research is to explore the experiences of the staff before CBs, their reactions, beliefs, and the resources necessary for their management. The results indicate that CBs generate emotions in direct support staff, modulated by several factors. The perception of self-efficacy, beliefs and causal attributions and the organizational context influence the interpretation and management of CBs. A comprehensive approach that combines training, emotional support and organizational structures is essential.