Cross-sectional investigation of relationships between the organisational environment and challenging behaviours in support services for residents with intellectual disabilities

Background: This study was conducted to assess relationships between the organisational environment and three types of challenging behaviour (self-injurious, aggressive/destructive and stereotypical) in support services for residents with intellectual disabilities using ecological theory. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based design was used to identify relationships between ecological system aspects at multiple levels (micro-, meso-, exo-, macro- and chronosystems) and challenging behaviours of residents. A questionnaire was distributed to care professionals and managers working in specialised Dutch service organisations for residents with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. The data were examined by Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 922 respondents from 21 organisations. Responses revealed that organisational aspects at the micro-, meso-, exo- and macrosystem levels play roles in residents' challenging behaviour. These aspects range from staff members' ability to sensitively interact with residents to grouping of residents with challenging behaviour, and staff turnover. Conclusions: In the prevention and management of challenging behaviour of residents with intellectual disabilities, the consideration of ecological aspects at all system levels in the organisational environment is required.Social science; Psychology; Challenging behaviour; Organisational environment; Ecological theory; Intellectual disabilities.

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