Affiliation:
1. Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Criminology of Behavioral Sciences, Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
2. Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
Abstract
Background:
Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is associated with deficits in cognitive functions and effective communication or interpersonal skills, impacting socio-occupational functioning in adulthood.
Aims:
The current study compared individuals with BIF and average intellectual functioning (AIF) on executive functioning, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal communication competence in relation to the quality of life.
Settings and Design:
The data were collected via a face-to-face interview conducted in the tertiary care hospital in an urban locality. A cross-sectional and comparative matched-group research design using purposive sampling was used.
Materials and Methods:
An estimated sample size of 80 was split into BIF and AIF groups. The participants were recruited as per the defined criteria. The measures used were Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices, General Health Questionnaire, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Stroop Test (ST), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale (ICCS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life- Brief (Qol).
Statistical Analysis:
The differences, between BIF and AIF groups as well as males and females within each group, on measures, namely, ST, DERS, ICCS, and QoL were compared using the independent t-test. Further, the relationship among the measures was examined using Pearson correlation and regression analysis.
Results:
Independent t-test analysis revealed significant differences between groups on execution functioning (t = 11.83, P = 0.000), all domains of emotional dysregulation (P < 0.000), and many domains of interpersonal communication, and quality of life (P < 0.000). Significant correlations were found between domains of DERS and ICCS, DERS and QOL; ICCS and QOL.
Conclusions:
Emotional dysregulation predicted physical and psychological health and the environment, while interpersonal communication predicted social relations.