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

Young, Rhea, Gore, Nick J., McCarthy, Michelle (2012) Staff attitudes towards sexuality in relation to gender of people with intellectual disability: a qualitative study. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 37 (4). pp. 343-347. ISSN 1366-8250. (doi:10.3109/13668250.2012.704983) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:67318)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2012.704983

Abstract

Background Research has found staff attitudes regarding the sexuality of people with intellectual disability (ID) to be negative but influenced by several factors. The current study aimed to examine whether gender of people with ID affects such attitudes.

Method Semistructured interviews were completed with 10 staff members and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results Results indicated 3 themes: Women are perceived as sexually innocent, men as more sexually motivated, and motivations for sexual relationships are perceived to differ between men and women with ID.

Conclusion 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.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.3109/13668250.2012.704983
Uncontrolled keywords: attitudes, sexuality, learning disabilities
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Michelle McCarthy
Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2018 17:12 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:25 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/67318 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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