To date there have been few studies that have explored the relationship between life events and challenging behaviour (CB) in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The present study is preceded by a literature review that first introduces the literature devoted to the understanding of risk factors associated with the development and maintenance of CB in people with ID. It then provides a flavour of the extensive general life events literature, by presenting meta-analytic and review studies that examine how life events impact on psychological well-being. It finally reviews life event studies that have so far occupied ID research. The literature review concludes with implications for future research and clinical interventions. This is followed by a research study that aims to i. explore the range of life events encountered by people with ID residing in a long stay residential hospital and ii. explore potential associations between life events and CB. To do this a correlational design was employed. Key respondents (nursing staff) well known to the participants provided information on known correlates of CB and life events experienced by the service-user over the previous 12 months. Results suggest that for the study population the life event domains of relationship issues and staff change provided a significant additional contribution to the prediction of CB once known 41 correlates of CB were controlled. The results are discussed in light of the findings. Limitations of the study are also discussed together with the future clinical and research implications of such findings. Finally the research paper is followed by a critical review that outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the study, as well as the process issues arising during the course of the research. Clinical implications and future directions are further discussed.