Elien Neimeijer

24 sociotherapists’ response to the needs and characteristics of clients (i.e., feeling accept- ed, supported and included) (Ryan and Deci, 2017; Van der Helm et al., 2011). Research has shown that responsivity can be accomplished through offering support, stimulation of development, a trustworthy and respectful manner of treatment, and consistency in procedures and sociotherapists’ availability (Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003; Marshall et al., 2003). ‘Growth’ concerns perceptions of learning and development and hope for the future, perceptions of the ability to feel competent and giving meaning to residing in the facility. Experiencing autonomy (i.e., exercising responsibility, choice, and decision-mak- ing) is essential for clients to be able to develop socially and emotionally (Van der Helm et al., 2011; Ryan & Deci, 2017). ‘Repression’ assesses perceptions of a lack of autonomy that threatens the basic psychological need of connectedness, competence and auton- omy: strictness and control, unfair rules, lack of flexibility on the group and boredom among clients (De Valk, Kuiper, Van der Helm, Maas, & Stams, 2016; Harvey, 2007; Van der Helm, Klapwijk, Stams, & Van der Laan, 2009; Van der Helm et al., 2011). ‘Atmos- phere’, finally, indicates the degree to which structure, security and trust among clients is fostered by both the physical as well as the social environment within the group (Van der Helm et al., 2009; Van der Helm et al., 2011). Research highlights the importance of understanding group climate in the light of effective treatment for individuals with MID-BIF As shown above, research highlights the importance of understanding group climate in the light of effective treatment for individuals with MID-BIF (Bressington, Stewart, & MacInnes, 2011; Schubert et al., 2012; Tonkin, 2015). Although the relationship be- tween group climate and treatment outcomes is well-researched and well-documented in forensic and psychiatric services since Moos’ early research in the 1960s, research into these outcomes for individuals with mild intellectual disability of borderline intel- lectual functioning (MID-BIF) is largely lacking (Bell, Tonkin, Chester, & Craig, 2017; Moos, 1989; Tonkin, 2015; Willets, Mooney, & Blagden, 2014). Tonkin (2015) shows that group climate can be measured in a reliable and valid manner and several instruments are available for measuring group climate in clients without MID-BIF. It is important that measurements are based on solid psychometric properties; otherwise, monitoring group climate will hinder rather than help improving the quality of client care.