Background A new legal capacity act was introduced in Ireland in 2015. This study aimed to identify and critically examine key issues in the area of decisionmaking capacity from the perspective of psychologists working with adults with an intellectual disability. Methods A qualitative exploratory approach was employed, and the study was positioned in a social constructionist framework. Purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used to recruit 15 clinical psychologists working with adults with an intellectual disability. Data were collected with the use of individual semistructured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using a model of thematic analysis. Results Six themes were identified: (1) a presumption of capacity but a culture of incapacity, (2) supporting decision making as a process, (3) authenticity of decision making, (4) need for support and training, (5) contributions of psychology and (6) the way forward. Conclusions Participants described that people with intellectual disabilities were often excluded from decision-making processes. They welcomed the functional approach to decision making, considered substituted decision making to be necessary within a support framework and described supporting decision making as a process. Systemic, resource and attitudinal challenges were identified.
Background
Staff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland.
Methods
Staff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5) completed the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire‐Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ASQ‐ID) and open‐ended questions.
Results
Multidirectional significant differences were noted on staff attitudes to sexuality based on demographic factors, that is, age, education, as well as non‐demographics, for example, attendance at training, and active practising of religion. Qualitatively, three themes emerged: “Unsupported and Frustration”; “Taboo Subject Matter” and “Vulnerability and Access to Education”. Staff reported a lack of service supports, dominant conservative cultures and people with an intellectual disability's vulnerability.
Conclusion
This study highlights the need for improved service practices and enhanced provisions for staff and the people with an intellectual disability that they support.
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