Public opinion on the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities: a review of the literature
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
People with intellectual disabilities (PID) experience the same range of sexual thoughts,feelings, desires, and activities as anyone else. However, the public’s view, especially about stereotypes, is noticeable to have an impact on sexuality and people with disabilities, thereby influencing the population which includes the families of PID, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This review aims to analyze the opinions of public, family of PID or care staff on the sexuality of PID and the methodology applied. Eleven quantitative peer-reviewed papers were identified. Participants’ attitude could be evaluated as a binary classification of either “Restrictive” or “Acceptance” in four aspects. Demographic background and the conditions of the PID were found to have an influence on people’s attitudes. People acknowledge that PID are not asexual but generally the public holds a more accepting attitude towards the sexuality of PID when compare with family of PID or care staff. Further research on this attitude gap is particularly essential, as this will contribute valuable information and provide insight to policymakers on handling the social, legal and ethical concerns about the sexuality of PID.
Journal
Sexuality and Disability
Publication Name
N/A
Volume
39
ISBN/ISSN
1573-6717
Edition
N/A
Issue
2
Pages Count
25
Location
N/A
Publisher
Springer Nature
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1007/s11195-020-09674-9