Latent Profile Analysis of Challenging Behaviour in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: Examining Associated Factors and Life Satisfaction

Background Challenging behaviours (CBs) are known to adversely affect life satisfaction among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Little is known about the impact of different profiles of CBs amongst individuals with intellectual disabilities in South Korea. Methods Latent profile analysis was conducted using cross‐sectional data from 1984 Korean individuals with intellectual disabilities. The three‐step approach with multinomial logistic regression was utilised to identify factors associated with the profiles of CB, while the unequal variance three‐step approach was used to examine relationships between the profiles of CB and life satisfaction. Findings There were four latent profiles: Stable Behaviour Group, Pervasive Challenging Behaviour Group, Disruptive Behaviour Group and Violent Behaviour Group. Personal factors (age, gender and employment status), disability severity and functioning‐related factors (intellectual ability, communication skills and activities of daily living) were significantly associated with the profiles of CB. Proxy‐reported life satisfaction scores appeared lower for individuals in the Violent Behaviour Group than those in other groups. Conclusion The findings suggest that CBs are heterogeneous, with four distinct latent profiles. Various factors were found to be associated with the profiles of CB, providing a strategic basis for developing individualised interventions.