Friendships,relationships and the management of rejection and loneliness by people with learning disabilities

Abstract

Fifteen people with learning disabilities participated in this qualitative study which was concerned with enabling the participants to tell their own stories and experiences of friendships and relationships through several interviews. Analyses of the responses identified factors that both enhanced and hindered the development of friendship and relationship for people with learning disabilities. Whilst friendship was facilitated by mutuality and acceptance, poverty, limited transport and the absence of physical and emotional support prevented the development of friendships and led to the experience of loneliness. Participants also managed their experiences of rejection and loneliness through the development of coping skills and positive self-image.