Background: Existing studies show mixed results of the effectiveness of CBT for people with learning disabilities and anxiety. Method: A CBT group was run for people with learning disabilities and anxiety, who attended with a supporter. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-group and analysed using thematic analysis. Standardised…

Background: The main assumption of narrative therapy is that people are the "experts" on their own lives. When working with people with a learning disability, it can often be the case that the client's voice is not the primary voice. This is due to the fact that others "hold" the story for the client. When the story is,…

The goals of the study were first to compare the social and academic well-being (loneliness and academic self-efficacy (ASE) among college students with and without learning disabilities (LD), as well as three personal strengths (hope, optimism and sense of coherence (SOC). The second goal was to identify the predicting factors to their loneliness…

The purpose of this study was to compare severity and risk status for anxiety and depression with coping skills among 130 Mexican school children with learning disabilities (LD) and 130 school children without LD. This research is the first to explore the emotional difficulties of Mexican children with LD. Children completed the Spanish version of…

Experiences of eight staff working with people who have a learning disability and complex mental health needs were explored by interviews and analysed using the free association narrative interview approach (Hollway & Jefferson 2000). Participants reported that organisational factors such as not having enough permanent staff and having to manage a…

Positive outcomes have been reported for university preparation courses for students without disabilities. Little is known about whether these courses can offer the same benefit to students with learning disabilities and whether the inclusion of psychosocial factors, in addition to academic skills, would benefit both groups. First-level students…

This study examined the unanticipated effects that children with learning disabilities have on the life of their families. Eleven parents of students aged 8 to 16 years old participated in two separate focus group interviews. Findings showed that children with learning disabilities had a range of effects on their families. These included family…

This exploratory study tested the feasibility of using the Transcendental Meditation[R] technique to reduce stress and anxiety as a means of reducing symptoms of ADHD. Students ages 11-14 were taught the technique, and practiced it twice daily in school. Common ADHD inventories and performance measures of executive function were administered at…

An anxiety management group utilizing a cognitive behavioural intervention, of 12 weeks duration, for six people with mild to moderate learning disabilities is described. A number of techniques to assist in developing clients' understanding of their anxiety, cognitive and behavioural coping strategies and maximizing generalizability of skills…

This article discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated the experiences of 9 adult women living with a learning disability. It addresses the hidden costs associated with learning disabilities and explores a cyclic relationship discussed by the participants involving perfectionism, panic or anxiety, and exhaustion. (Contains references.)…

The study examines the coping strategies among 130 undergraduate college and university students with learning disabilities (LD) and 146 students without learning disabilities (NLD). Students completed self-reported instruments designed to measure stress, support and strategies. The findings revealed that students without LD reported higher work…

Through three case studies of male adults (taped sessions of individual instruction), Johnston examines the psychological and social determinants of reading failure. Unlike theories that focus on neurological or processing deficit explanations, he finds reading disabilities affected by anxiety, maladaptive strategies, conflicting motives, and…

A study examined the experiences of eight undergraduate students with learning disabilities at a large state university. Data were gathered in interviews with the students, director of disabled student services, a tutor, and one faculty member. Analysis focused on student attitudes and behaviors affecting the college experience, institutional…

Responding to a previous article written by a college student with learning disabilities (LD), this article discusses cognitive and affective barriers faced by college populations with LD and the need to provide support. The anxiety, alienation, drive to succeed, and "masks" of students with LD are explored. (CR)

Discusses the anxiety and stress students with learning disabilities experience in the college environment. Cognitive strategies to overcome negative thinking patterns are discussed, including discussing anxiety with peers, positive imagining, playing out worst-case scenarios, confronting sources of anxiety, and accepting learning disabilities and…