BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities face attitudinal and service barriers when attempting to form intimate relationships. To date, their experiences and views are under-represented in the existing evidence base. METHOD: The aim of this study was to carry out an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the experience of intimate relationships for nine adults with intellectual disabilities. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: desiring relationships; expressing sexuality; having relationships; and who has control? Together these themes demonstrated that intimate relationships were desired and important to all participants, fulfilling a variety of their needs. In addition, participants faced a number of challenges related to intimate relationships. CONCLUSION: The findings raise questions about how best to support people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and intimate relationships. Implications for caregivers and services are discussed.
BACKGROUND:People with intellectual disabilities face attitudinal and service barriers when attempting to form intimate relationships. To date, their experiences and views are under-represented in the existing evidence base. METHOD: The aim of this study was to carry out an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the experience of intimate relationships for nine adults with intellectual disabilities. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: desiring relationships; expressing sexuality; having relationships; and who has control? Together these themes demonstrated that intimate relationships were desired and important to all participants, fulfilling a variety of their needs. In addition, participants faced a number of challenges related to intimate relationships. CONCLUSION: The findings raise questions about how best to support people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and intimate relationships. Implications for caregivers and services are discussed.
Authors: María Dolores Gil-Llario; Olga Fernández-García; Tania B Huedo-Medina; Verónica Estruch-García; Rafael Ballester-Arnal Journal: Arch Sex Behav Date: 2022-09-28
Authors: Sanne A H Giesbers; Lex Hendriks; Andrew Jahoda; Richard P Hastings; Petri J C M Embregts Journal: J Appl Res Intellect Disabil Date: 2018-10-26
Authors: Michael Brown; Edward McCann; Maria Truesdale; Mark Linden; Lynne Marsh Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-18 Impact factor: 3.390