Staff attitudes towards sexuality in relation to gender of people with intellectual disability: A qualitative study

Abstract

The study indicates unfavourable attitudes towards sexuality in individuals with ID that correlate with traditional, restricted gender stereotypes. The identification of these themes highlights the importance of considering gender when supporting the sexuality of people with ID.

Identifying the important factors associated with teaching sex education to people with intellectual disability: A cross-sectional survey among paid care staff

“…These numbers were expected to be higher, since the staff members who were included were fully responsible for the wellbeing, and therefore sexual health, of their clients, who were (young) adults with a moderate to mild intellectual disability. Furthermore, in accordance with previous studies (Abbott & Burns, 2007; Abbott & Howarth, 2007), the results imply that when sex education is provided, it is taught in response to problems, rather than to prevent problems or proactively support people with intellectual disability (Young, Gore, & McCarthy, 2012). This was reflected in the reasons for teaching sex education with the highest ratings: “the client has sexuality-related questions” and “the client exhibits sexually inappropriate behaviour.” The reason with the lowest rating was “the client is developmentally ready,” which should be the foremost reason.…”

Sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes among young adults with limiting disabilities: findings from third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)

“…Interventions for distress about sex lives may also require targeted policy and programme interventions. These should include awareness raising and/or educational interventions for health professionals, as evidence suggests a reluctance or failure to discuss sex with individuals with disabilities as it is not seen as pertinent9 or aspects of the clinical, institutional and broader social environments may undermine their ability to promote sexual health 46. The study findings and recommendations will be of interest to disabled people’s organisations and sexual health advocates, as well as policy makers and health professionals.…”

“…The study included people who considered themselves to have a limiting disability rather than focusing specifically on people with particular impairment types, for example, sensory impairment, as is the case in most previous studies 9 14 41. However, there is a lack of information on the nature and severity of the impairment underlying the disability, which could help us further elucidate the relationship between disability and sexual health.…”

“…This is despite evidence from qualitative research highlighting the same need for sexual health services among those with disabilities as in the wider population 5. Negative experiences with healthcare professionals are commonly reported by people with disabilities; these include a failure to discuss sex because professionals do not think the topic pertinent 9. Findings also identify unmet need for support for problems with sexual function14 15 and sexual satisfaction 5.…”

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)

“…There is a primary concern about the sexual vulnerability of adolescent girls and fear about inappropriate sexual behaviour from adolescent boys, themes echoed in a number of other studies (e.g., Gilmore & Chambers, 2010;Young, Gore, & McCarthy, 2012). For the adolescent girls whose parents participated in this study, this fear translated into restricted access to respite, and to social and community activities.…”