Lee JY, Patel M, Scior K. Self-esteem and its relationship with depression and anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities: a systematic literature review.
JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023;
67:499-518. [PMID:
36855028 DOI:
10.1111/jir.13025]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In the general population, low self-esteem has been linked with poorer mental and physical health. This systematic literature review aimed to summarise and evaluate the findings of studies that examined self-esteem in adults with intellectual disabilities and links with mental health outcomes.
METHOD
A systematic search of PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL was conducted to identify studies published between 1990 and 2021. The studies were appraised using the QualSyst tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-six articles were identified of which two studies were removed from the review due to low quality. Studies reported mixed evidence regarding levels of self-esteem compared with the general population. Engagement in activities appeared to be linked with positive self-esteem, and perception of negative interpersonal life events as having a negative impact was associated with lower self-esteem. There was evidence of co-occurrence of low self-esteem and depression, but no studies examined the relationship between self-esteem and anxiety.
CONCLUSION
Reviewed studies provided mixed evidence on levels of self-esteem in this population, suggesting that factors such as engagement in life were related to higher self-esteem and demonstrating the co-occurrence of low self-esteem and depression. However, clear causal links have yet to be identified, and more research is needed using longitudinal designs to answer questions about trajectory.
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