Sexual understanding and development of young people with intellectual disabilities: mothers' perspectives of within-family context

Pownall, J.D., Jahoda, A. , Hastings, R. and Kerr, L. (2011) Sexual understanding and development of young people with intellectual disabilities: mothers' perspectives of within-family context. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 116(3), pp. 205-219. (doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-116.3.205)

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Abstract

The sexual development of young people with intellectual disabilities is a marker of their transition to adulthood and affects their sense of well being and identity. Cognitive impairments and a socially marginalized position increase dependence on their families to assist with sexual matters. In this study, the authors adopted a novel interpretive phenomenological analysis approach, asking 8 mothers to contrast their experience of supporting similarly aged siblings with and without intellectual disabilities. Acknowledgment of their nondisabled offspring's sexuality was demanded by increasing autonomy, whereas continuing dependence of the offspring with intellectual disabilities hindered mothers who were addressing this intensely private and sensitive issue with them. The topic of sexuality brought to the forefront mothers' fears about their offspring's ability to cope with the challenges of adulthood.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Jahoda, Professor Andrew and Pownall, Dr Jaycee
Authors: Pownall, J.D., Jahoda, A., Hastings, R., and Kerr, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
ISSN:1944-7515
Data DOI:10.5255/UKDA-SN-850489

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
488231Sexual understanding and development of young people with intellectual disabilities: Mothers' perspectivesAndrew JahodaEconomic & Social Research Council (ESRC)RES-000-22-3124Mental Health and Wellbeing