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Objective: People with serious mental illnesses are exposed to high rates of verbal abuse. This study examines the impact of such experiences on loneliness and social support, which is hypothesized to ultimately diminish recovery., Method: Fifty participants with serious mental illnesses reported on their experiences with verbal abuse, loneliness, social support, and recovery., Results: Verbal abuse was found to be related to loneliness and social support, and both mediated the relationship between verbal abuse and recovery., Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Verbal abuse is an all too common experience of people with serious mental illnesses that ultimately affects their recovery. Specifically, exposure to verbal abuse may impact recovery by increasing sense of loneliness and perceived social support. The implications are that a heightened awareness of verbal abuse and its impact on recovery should draw attention to interventions that decrease exposure and increase self-advocacy to combat negative outcomes.

Background: This study examines the extent of exposure to verbal violence experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and whether it differs based on their housing situation: living in the community, with family, or in a residential facility. Method: One hundred and eighty‐nine people with intellectual disabilities were interviewed about their experience with verbal violence. Results: Eighty‐six percent reported experiencing verbal violence in their lifetime and approximately 77% experienced it the past week. Participants were most likely to be yelled at, and friends were the most common perpetrators. While there were few differences by setting, people living with their families were more likely to be laughed at and marginally more likely to experience rude comments. Conclusions: Verbal violence is prevalent in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Israel. Interventions are necessary to assist people with intellectual disabilities to deal with such incidents, with possible additional supports needed for those living with family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the influence of the humanistic orientation on the perspectives of service providers working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the self‐evaluation of service users. The humanistic orientation, which emerged in the 1990s, emphasizes the rights of people with IDD to lead a meaningful life based on their personal needs and desires. However, challenges persist as some service providers prioritize the acquisition of normative life skills over fostering autonomy. The study was based on quantitative methodology and included 61 service providers and 95 of their service users. The study's findings indicate that the humanistic orientation was endorsed by nearly one half of the service providers compared with one third who endorsed a medical orientation. Those endorsing a humanistic orientation also reported that their service users had higher levels of efficacy than those with a medical perception of IDD. Positive correlations were found regarding the assessments made by service providers and their service users on self‐efficacy. Findings suggest that a humanistic orientation encourages optimism among service providers and a positive dyadic interaction between providers and users. It is suggested that the humanistic orientation be applied as a guiding principle underlying the daily support provided to adults with IDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined how siblings and siblings‐in‐law of persons with intellectual disabilities experience the establishment of and processes within the couple relationship. Method: In‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 12 siblings and 12 siblings‐in‐law of persons with intellectual disabilities were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The participants did not perceive their special siblinghood as detrimental to their couple relationships. Siblings‐in‐law's prior acquaintance with persons with disabilities and professional support provided to the family of origin emerged as contributing factors. The effect of the siblinghood on the couple relationship was both positive and negative. Conclusions: The findings support the importance of the acceptance of others who are different, including in couple relationships when a sibling or sibling‐in‐law has intellectual disabilities, and underscore the role of professional therapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]