Psychological Counseling

Individuals with intellectual disabilities have permanent limitations in mental functions, and social and adaptive skills. However, these limitations also affect their families, who face persistent problems and high stress that are reflected in many aspects of their homes and social lives. Families often require psychological counseling services. This article reviews the psychological counseling studies conducted on the families of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The group and individual studies focused on interventions to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and other common negative feelings among families, as well as improve psychological well-being, parental attitudes, and family structures. Results of the literature review indicate that most counseling studies led to significant differences after intervention when compared to pre-intervention.