Persons with intellectual disability: Sexual behaviour, knowledge and assertiveness

Abstract

Background Persons with ID most often have incomplete, contradictory and imprecise knowledge of sexuality and sexual intercourse itself. They are not provided with sufficient information on their own body and sexuality, and are often discouraged from and sanctioned for trying to sexually express themselves. Sexual abuse due to low sexual assertiveness is also common. Aim The principal aim of this study was to establish the presence or absence of sexual activity in adults with ID residing in institutional housing, as well as the level and structure of their knowledge of sexuality, their sexual assertiveness and preparedness to react in a sexually dangerous situation. Methods The sample consisted of 100 participants with ID residing in institutional housing. The instruments used included the General Sexual Knowledge Questionnaire, What-if test and Hulbert index of sexual assertiveness. Comparative statistics included coefficient of linear correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results The results showed that 82% of the participants are sexually active. Most participants admitted to sometimes having sexual intercourse against their wishes as well as to having difficulty asserting themselves. Their knowledge of pregnancy, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases was very low. Female participants and those that reported having sexual intercourse had more sexual knowledge and were also more sexually assertive. Conclusion Knowledge of sexuality and sexual assertiveness of persons with ID residing in institutional housing is very low. Additional information on sexuality is necessary, as well as support in learning to express their own desires and to deal with unwanted sexual activity.

Personal and sexual boundaries: The experiences of people with intellectual disabilities

“…Some of the participants re ected on their di culties nding someone to have a romantic relationship with, and the risks they exposed themselves to in this search. These results may explain why so many people with intellectual disabilities have sex they do not want to have (19). This study reveals that the participants lacked essential knowledge related to consent, which we suggest is crucial in decreasing the risk of sexual abuse.…”

“…It has been found that one in three adults with intellectual disabilities has experienced sexual abuse, and that their abusers were often people with intellectual disabilities as well (18). In a study of 100 participants with intellectual disabilities, Brkić-Jovanović, Runjo (19) found that 82 % were sexually active, and that most of them had had sex they did not want to. In instances of sexual abuse, it is crucial that the police are aware of any intellectual disabilities in the early stages of a criminal case because this can affect the verdict (20).…”

Personal and sexual boundaries: the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities

“…Some of the participants reflected on their difficulties finding someone to have a romantic relationship with, and the risks they exposed themselves to in their search. This results may explain why so many people with intellectual disabilities have sex they do not want to have [ 25 ]. This study reveals that the participants lacked essential knowledge related to sexual consent, which we suggest is crucial in decreasing the risk of sexual abuse.…”

“…It has been found that one in three adults with intellectual disabilities has experienced sexual abuse, and that their abusers were often people with intellectual disabilities as well [ 24 ]. In a study of 100 participants with intellectual disabilities, Brkić-Jovanović, Runjo [ 25 ] found that 82% were sexually active and that most of them had had sex they did not want to due to reduced assertiveness skills. In instances of sexual abuse, it is crucial that the police are aware of any intellectual disabilities in the early stages of a criminal case because this can affect the verdict [ 26 ].…”

A Multilevel Model to Assess the Effectiveness of an Affective-Sexual Education Program for People with Intellectual Disabilities: the Influence of Participants’ Characteristics

“…In general, PIFD who have had a partner have had the opportunity to experience, more or less, healthy relationships, what it feels like to be loved, and improvement in their communication skills. They have practiced respect and assertiveness, as they may have had to respond to requests for unwanted sexual practices and may even have been treated inappropriately by tolerating unhealthy and unacceptable dynamics (Brkić-Jovanović et al, 2021;Rushbrooke et al, 2014). People who participate in affective-sexual education programs while in a relationship have the opportunity to practice many of the skills and attitudes that are taught in the course.…”