Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The experiences of intimate relationships by people with intellectual disabilities
T2 - a qualitative study
AU - Rushbrooke, Elizabeth
AU - Murray, Craig
AU - Townsend, Samantha
PY - 2014/11
Y1 - 2014/11
N2 - BackgroundPeople 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.MethodThe aim of this study was to carry out an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the experience of intimate relationships for nine adults with intellectual disabilities.ResultsFour 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.ConclusionThe findings raise questions about how best to support people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and intimate relationships. Implications for caregivers and services are discussed.
AB - BackgroundPeople 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.MethodThe aim of this study was to carry out an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the experience of intimate relationships for nine adults with intellectual disabilities.ResultsFour 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.ConclusionThe findings raise questions about how best to support people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and intimate relationships. Implications for caregivers and services are discussed.
KW - intellectual disability
KW - relationships
KW - sexuality
U2 - 10.1111/jar.12091
DO - 10.1111/jar.12091
M3 - Journal article
VL - 27
SP - 531
EP - 541
JO - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
JF - Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
SN - 1360-2322
IS - 6
ER -