Interaction between persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and their partners: a literature review.
BACKGROUND
High quality interactions are of crucial importance for quality of life of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). This literature review describes and synthesises studies addressing the interaction between persons with PIMD and their partners.


METHODS
A computerised literature search using defined inclusion criteria yielded 15 articles.


RESULTS
The literature analysis revealed four components important in interactions: sensitive responsiveness, joint attention, co-regulation, and an emotional component. The abilities and disabilities, interactive behaviours, and personality of persons with PIMD influence these interactions. Additional influences are the partners' interactive strategies, knowledge, and perceptions and the context of the interaction.


CONCLUSIONS
An overview model integrates the results and forms a vehicle to facilitate our understanding of interactions with persons with high support needs. Methodological analyses of the studies show lacunae in current research. This review offers a starting point to guide future research and intervention.
Hostyn
Ine
I
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. ine.hostyn@ped.kuleuven.be
Maes
Bea
B
D001076:Aptitude; D001288:Attention; D003142:Communication; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010551:Personality; D012380:Role; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support