Mountaineering expedition by persons with intellectual disability: impact on behavior and temperament.
The recreational needs of adults with intellectual disability are the same as those of the general population. If properly planned, recreational activities can facilitate positive behavioral changes. In this context, this present study was designed to understand the effects of a mountaineering expedition on the behaviors and temperament in a group of people with intellectual disability. The study included eight men and two women with intellectual disability aged 17-38 years. After a training programme, the participants went on an 11 day expedition in the Himalayan region under the supervision of professionals and two parents. Results indicated that all of them successfully climbed mountains up to 12,000 feet, and also had specific positive behavioral changes. Details and implications are discussed in this article.
Kishore
Thomas M
TM
National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Kolkata, India. mtk_psy@rediffmail.com
Nagar
Ram K
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000379:methods; D005101:Expeditions / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007360:Intelligence / Q000145:classification; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013694:Temperament