‘As Normal as Possible’: Sexual Identity Development in People with Intellectual Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

Wilkinson, Verity J.; Theodore, Kate; Raczka, Roman

doi:10.1007/s11195-014-9356-6

Cited by 57 publications

(79 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…The prevalent ambition of marriage can here possibly also be understood as PWID's attempt to exert some control over unmet developmental needs regarding relationships in the absence of sufficient support to do so. This fits with past findings that PWID strive for a 'normal' identity by trying to achieve goals that align them with this [17], as marriage was generally seen as a 32 of 39 marker for life progression, and would equate to an intimate relationship being accepted by others, a perceived means of resolving the felt dissonance.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…PWID appear to strive for a 'normal' identity [17] and in doing so tend to internalize the attitudes of carers [18][19][20], so if their genuine opinions and desires are not sought, we cannot really know their needs. The recent 3 of 39 emergence of self-advocacy movements and inclusive research for PWID has led to an increase in research giving voice to this population [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Views and Experiences of People with Intellectual Disabilities Regarding Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

2017

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The aims of this review were to systematically identify, critically appraise and synthesize the results of existing qualitative literature exploring the views and experiences of intimate relationships amongst people with intellectual disabilities. Fourteen peer-reviewed articles were identified through a systematic search of eight databases, reference lists, citations, and relevant journals. The identified articles were appraised for quality, then synthesized using a metaethnography approach. No study met all quality criteria and references to ethical approval were often lacking. Interpretation of the findings suggested three key themes: the meaning of intimate relationships, external constraints and facilitators, and managing external constraints. Though many people with intellectual disabilities desire and benefit from intimate relationships, they experience restrictions that others do not, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Intimate relationships are not always necessarily linked with sexual behavior; therefore, intimate relationships warrant their own focus in future research, as well as in education and training for people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Within this, a commitment to transparency over research processes is needed, in particular with reference to how ethical approval was obtained, since this has been a shortcoming of research with this focus to date.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Views and Experiences of People with Intellectual Disabilities Regarding Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

2017

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“…Extensive literature, exploring identity development in typically developing youth, abounds. However, the majority of the scant research on identity development in adolescents with disabilities focuses narrowly on the progression and development of sexual identity (Wilkinson et al 2015;SwangoWilson 2010) or the developmental process of social identity through social construction of what these youth observe from peers and siblings (Zolkowska and Kaliszewska 2014).…”

Section: Identitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Adolescents with Disabilities

Maxey

Beckert

2016

Adolescent Res Rev

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Adolescents with disabilities face many challenges common to their typically developing peers. However, the ways that they resolve them may differ. The focus of this narrative overview was to summarize results from the disabilities in adolescence literature, highlight common research directions, evaluate the overall big picture of this literature, and draw conclusions based on general interpretations. Evidence suggests that the literature in this field of study is lacking. Suggestions for improvement include increasing the number of studies that focus specifically on adolescence across the various types of disabilities, establishing a theoretical base to anchor research, forming cohesion across disabilities among researchers, and taking a comprehensive approach to intervention studies. By addressing these issues in future research, scholarly knowledge will be increased, but more importantly, the lives of young people with disabilities can be greatly enhanced.

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“…For example, a more cautious parental approach to the sexual development of a child with a disability when compared with a child without a disability is underpinned by concerns about their heightened vulnerability and the nature and amount of disclosure that is suitable for people with intellectual disabilities Pownall, Jahoda, Hastings, & Kerr, 2012). Further, these concerns typically lead to a protective rather than a common-sense approach to supporting sexual identity, which serves to reify concepts of the eternal child rather than a well-developed adult identity (Wilkinson, Theodore, & Raczka, 2015).…”

Section: Acceptance Anxiety and Avoidance: Toward Social Exclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Commentary on “The experiences and needs of mothers supporting young adolescents with intellectual disabilities through puberty and emerging sexuality” (O'Neill, Lima, Thomson Bowe, & Newall, 2015)

Wilson

McKenzie

Kahonde

2016

Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabil

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‘As Normal as Possible’: Sexual Identity Development in People with Intellectual Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

Cited by 57 publications

References 33 publications

Views and Experiences of People with Intellectual Disabilities Regarding Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

Views and Experiences of People with Intellectual Disabilities Regarding Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

Adolescents with Disabilities

Commentary on “The experiences and needs of mothers supporting young adolescents with intellectual disabilities through puberty and emerging sexuality” (O'Neill, Lima, Thomson Bowe, & Newall, 2015)

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