Attitudes Towards the Sexuality of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Current research in attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities yields heterogeneous results. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review current qualitative and quantitative evidence of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities. A systematic review of current literature (2000–2020) was carried out in the ERIC, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, PUBMED, and WebOfScience databases. Thirty-three articles were included for review. The present review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database. Included studies presented attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities in samples comprised of staff, family, members of the community, and adults with intellectual disability. Community samples held more positive attitudes, followed by staff and family. Adults with intellectual disabilities reported interest in intimate relationships but perceived barriers in others’ attitudes. Factors such as familiarity, age, gender of the adult with a disability, and culture seemed to have clear relationships. Other factors such as gender or social status remain unclear. In general, attitudes were considered positive. However, a preference for low intimacy and friendship or Platonic relationships was found. Stereotypes towards intellectual disability may have a strong influence. These findings underline the need to investigate and address attitudinal changes to provide adequate support for adults with intellectual disabilities in regard to a healthy relational and sex life.Prospero registration number: CRD42021222918.

A meta‐analytic review of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities as measured by the ASQ‐ID and related variables: Is context the key?

“…In the last two decades, these attitudes seem to have somewhat improved (Correa et al . 2022), although they are not as inclusive as they should be. If we intend to intervene on these attitudes, with the aim of improving the support given to adults with ID to express their sexuality as they wish, we should carefully analyse the current attitudinal scenario.…”

“…The type of relationship maintained with disabilities, cultural aspects, age and gender have been singled out as being relevant to this issue (Correa et al . 2022).…”

“…2021; Correa et al . 2022; Pebdani and Tashjian 2022). Older age appears to be associated with less favourable attitudes (Karellou 2003; Cuskelly and Bryde 2004; Esterle et al .…”

“…2021; Correa et al . 2022). Some studies found that women have more favourable attitudes than men in some aspects such as their right to an affective or sexual life, marriage or sex education (Franco et al .…”

“…2021; Correa et al . 2022). Up to eight studies using the ASQ‐ID measure in its final form were identified, followed by a case‐scenario proposal used in three studies, the POS and GSAQ‐LD scales used in two studies, and the SAQ and SMRAI measures, used in only one study each (Correa et al .…”