Intellectual disability and sexuality: Attitudes of disability support staff and leisure industry employees

Abstract

Attitudes of both groups are generally quite positive in relation to ID and sexuality.

Staff characteristics and attitudes towards the sexuality of people with intellectual disability

“…Staff level of education and attitudes were not signifi cantly related, which was consistent with fi ndings previously reported by Gilmore and Chambers (2010). However, participant age and occupation were associated with attitudes toward sexual rights of women.…”

Identifying the important factors associated with teaching sex education to people with intellectual disability: A cross-sectional survey among paid care staff

“…With regard to attitudes, older staff members seem to have more conservative attitudes towards the sexuality of their clients than younger staff members (Abbott & Howarth, 2007; Evans, McGuire, Healy, & Carley, 2009; Gilmore & Chambers, 2010; Meaney-Tavares & Gavidia-Payne, 2012), but the general attitude of staff is more liberal and in general positive compared to the attitude of family members (Bazzo, Nota, Soresi, Ferrari, & Minnes, 2007; Evans et al, 2009; Gilmore & Chambers, 2010). …”

Commentary on “The experiences and needs of mothers supporting young adolescents with intellectual disabilities through puberty and emerging sexuality” (O'Neill, Lima, Thomson Bowe, & Newall, 2015)

“…There is a primary concern about the sexual vulnerability of adolescent girls and fear about inappropriate sexual behaviour from adolescent boys, themes echoed in a number of other studies (e.g., Gilmore & Chambers, 2010;Young, Gore, & McCarthy, 2012). For the adolescent girls whose parents participated in this study, this fear translated into restricted access to respite, and to social and community activities.…”