Sexuality of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Proposal to use the Positive Sexuality Model

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the trends in the field of analyzing positive aspects of sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). In relation to these findings, the possibilities of applying the model of positive sexuality were presented. A literature search covering studies published between 1980 and 2020 was conducted. 19 studies were included. Researchers focus on partnerships, mainly heterosexual ones, associated experiences, plans and ideas. The results show that people with ID are able to report on experiences accompanying relationships and their depiction is relatively rich. People who do not have such experiences expect them in the future, treating them as a very important aspect of life. Referring to the model of positive sexuality, the areas of research in the population of people with intellectual disability were specified, and the theoretical justification of the model, general methodological aspects and practical usefulness were provided.

Using Concept Mapping to Explore the Perspectives of People with Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disabilities Toward Sexual Health

“…People with mild to borderline ID who depend on their support staff and relatives for their sexuality-based support and education tend to integrate these negative attitudes from support staff and relatives with their own attitudes [ 14 , 52 ], which, in turn, potentially leads them to conclude that sexual behaviors are simply not for them. If support staff and relatives were to integrate a positive and holistic perspective on sexual health within their sexuality-based support and education, then it would allow people with mild to borderline ID to make more independent sexual decisions [ 53 – 55 ]. Several promising interventions are being developed [e.g., 56 , 57 ], although the transfer to daily life is still unclear [ 32 , 58 ].…”

Discapacidad intelectual y derechos sexuales: revisión narrativa de la literatura

“…Las personas con DI reportan su deseo de sostener relaciones íntimas, pero son limitadas sus oportunidades para ello (26). A menudo, las mujeres ven como tabú las relaciones sexuales y muestran temor a "ser atrapadas" (27,28). Se suele interpretar la sexualidad de estas personas como diferente y riesgosa, lo cual ha limitado su desarrollo como adultos y su inclusión social (20).…”

Sexual Self-Determination of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities—A Possible Philosophical Conceptualization and Resulting Practical Challenges

“…The fact that such a broad definition is still missing has already been criticized in another context [33]. The WHO definition not only has the advantage of enjoying a certain degree of acceptance, since it comes from one of the most influential organizations in the health sector, which is why it is also used in other works on the topic [34,35]. It is also holistic enough [36] that there is no danger of sexuality being understood in too narrow a way.…”