Women without intellectual disabilities are more likely to develop mental health problems as a result of physiological functioning and psychosocial risk factors. However, little is known about the mental health of women with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore a small group of women’s perceptions of the risk and protective factors pertaining to their mental health conditions. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2007 in Northern Ireland. Thematic content analysis identified three risk factors and four protective/resilient factors. None of the women identified physiological functioning as a risk factor. Results suggest that women with intellectual disabilities experience psychosocial risk factors similar to those reported by women without intellectual disability. Additional risk factors place them at higher risk of developing mental health problems. However, more research is required.
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