ERIC Number: EJ1189563
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
EISSN: N/A
Women with Intellectual Disability: Their Sexual Lives in the 21st Century
McCarthy, Michelle
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v39 n2 p124-131 2014
Background: The aim of this paper was to give an overview of, and a commentary on, research demonstrating what women with intellectual disability are saying about their intimate relationships and sexual lives in the 21st century. Method: A literature search was undertaken for qualitative studies, published in English since 2011, in which the authors spoke directly and at length to women with intellectual disability. The method was based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (http://www.casp-uk.net). Results: Five studies, from the UK, USA, and Australia, were found to fit the criteria. The numbers of participants in the studies ranged from 9 to 17. All involved women with mild to moderate intellectual disability. Discussion: Though not universal, it is negative perceptions, negative experiences, thwarted ambitions, and abuse that dominate the narratives of the women with intellectual disability when they are asked about their sexual lives. Conclusion: Women with intellectual disability need help in developing their self-esteem, sex education that emphasises female sexual pleasure and assessing risk, as well as peer support. Wider structural, social, and service-level changes are also needed, and these are discussed, along with suggestions for enhancing women's ability to exercise a greater degree of control over their sexual lives.
Descriptors: Females, Intellectual Disability, Sexuality, Intimacy, Negative Attitudes, Aspiration, Sexual Abuse, Self Esteem, Sex Education, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom; United States; Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A