Stranger danger awareness in Williams syndrome. (29th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riby, D. M.; Kirk, H.; Hanley, M.; Riby, L. M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disability research. Volume 58:Part 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 572
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2013-05-29
• Subjects: Mental retardation -- Research -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1111/jir.12055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-2633

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jir12055-sec-5001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The developmental disorder Williams syndrome (WS) is characterised by a distinctive cognitive profile and an intriguing social phenotype. Individuals with the disorder are often highly social engaging with familiar and unfamiliar people and once in an interaction they often show subtle abnormalities of social behaviour. Atypically increased approach to unfamiliar people is widely reported in the existing literature for both children and adults. Parents frequently report interactions with unfamiliar people as a major concern.</p> </sec> <sec id="jir12055-sec-5002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>In this study we aimed to evaluate 'stranger danger' awareness using a video vignette task with individuals who had WS. When linked to other components of the WS phenotype (e.g. reduced intellectual ability, increased social approach) an awareness of stranger danger is particularly important.</p> </sec> <sec id="jir12055-sec-5003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Qualitative and quantitative data showed that young people with WS have difficulties making judgements about whether or not to trust and engage in conversation with unfamiliar people. Qualitative data showed that individuals with WS often suggested that they would engage in an interaction with an unfamiliar person.</p> </sec> <sec id="jir12055-sec-5004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The findings have substantial implications for the safety of young people with the disorder and emphasise the need for intervention regarding this behaviour.</p> </sec> </abstract>