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Project

Stress and stress regulation in children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

The project’s main aim is to unravel the role and mechanisms of stress regulation in children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). First, the way in which these children experience sensory stimuli and respond to them, as well as how these contribute to their general stress level will be studied. Secondly, it will be evaluated in which way high quality interactions which are attuned to the needs of persons with PIMD can diminish their stress levels. The third aim is to test the association between stress levels and stress regulation on the one hand and the children’s general wellbeing, engagement and problem behaviours on the other hand. Data will be collected in 50 children with PIMD in real life situations. Data on environmental stimuli, staff’s interaction style and behavioural indicators of stress will be collected through continuous video observation, attaching two small cameras to the participant’s wheelchair and one bodycam. A physiological indicator of the child’s stress will be registered through the galvanic skin response with an Empatica E4 wristband. Wellbeing, engagement and problem behaviour will be measured using questionnaires from the professional staff. More knowledge on this topic can lead to the development of targeted interventions to reduce stress regulation problems in persons with PIMD and can give practitioners more insight in how to adapt the environment and their interaction styles to accommodate the person’s stress levels.

Date:1 Jan 2023 →  Today
Keywords:Stress regulation, Psychophysiological methods, Profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Disciplines:Behavioural and emotional problems, Disabilities and developmental disorders, Orthopedagogical interventions, Special needs education