ERIC Number: EJ1137974
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Apr
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2073-7629
EISSN: N/A
How Do People with Intellectual Disability Describe the Experience of Falling in Love?
Mattila, Jenni; Uusiautti, Satu; Määttä, Kaarina
International Journal of Emotional Education, v9 n1 p71-84 Apr 2017
The phenomenon of falling in love among people with intellectual disability has not received much attention in research. In this study, seven Finnish young adults (5 women and 2 men) with mild intellectual disability (ID) were asked about their experiences of falling in love. They were interviewed with a qualitative themed interview method. The data were analyzed with content analysis by searching the participants' descriptions of partner selection, the event of falling in love, and how falling in love has changed their lives. The study showed that that young adults with ID were familiar with and able to describe falling in love concretely and in a very positive manner. Love was seen as an important part of well-being. The findings suggest that people who live or work with young adults with ID should be prepared to support them in various phases of love in a way that enhances their cognitive love skills and self-determination in intimate relationships.
Descriptors: Young Adults, Mild Intellectual Disability, Foreign Countries, Interviews, Qualitative Research, Content Analysis, Interpersonal Relationship, Intimacy, Psychological Patterns, Well Being, Emotional Response
Centre for Resilience and Socio-Emotional Health. Old Humanities Building (OH) Room 241, University of Malta, MSD 2080, Malta. Tel: +356-2340-3014; Web site: http://www.um.edu.mt/ijee
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Finland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A