Scholarly record

SELECTED ASPECTS OF SEXUALITY IN ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES - A SYNTHESIS OF INTERNATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

J. Chrastina, H. Vecerova, J. Mastalir

Abstract

The objective of the paper is to present an overview of the findings about the attitudes to (and perceptions of) sexuality in adults with intellectual disability (ID). The overview was produced by means of an analysis, comparison, discussion and synthesis of relevant scientific findings in accordance with the defined criteria. The search procedure was performed in line with the specifics of the research strategy using keywords; the search focused fulltexts of scientific papers published between 2000 and 2017 (primarily). The resulting findings (match versus difference) suggest slightly liberal attitudes to sexuality of persons with intellectual disability, but at the same time highlight certain preconceptions and illusions about sexuality in these persons. The factors (determinants) that support the development of attitudes include primarily the following: the need to understand and accept persons with ID as sexual beings; myths and misconceptions about sexuality in persons with ID; denial of sexual maturity in persons with ID; age and education, religion, contact with persons with ID; training and education in the area of sexuality in persons with ID; severity of ID and gender of persons with ID; link with traditional, limited and gender stereotypes (lesser support of same-sex couples, anal sex and kissing in public, homosexual behaviour). The issue of sexuality in persons with ID raises frequent contradictions in the opinions, understanding and primarily the attitudes of the intact population. On the one hand, there is a tendency to support appropriate sexual expression of these persons, on the other hand there is an excessive tendency to protect these persons from abuse and exploitation. The attitudes of the public, parents, friends, family carers, or caregivers to sexuality in persons with ID have a significant effect on the opinions, attitudes and perspectives of persons with ID concerning their own sexuality.

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