engleski

Sexual identity, experiences and perspectives of people with intellectual disability

Introduction: Although the questions about sexuality of people with intellectual disability (ID) are increasingly the focus of many studies from the varied perspectives of professionals, family and community members, a small number of researches are dealing with sexual self‐advocacy and question of how these people themselves perceive and talk about their sexuality. This qualitative research study was carried out with the objective to expand knowledge on the development of sexual identity in adults with ID, based on their own perspective. Methods: Having applied a phenomenographic approach, a focus group interview method with four groups of Croatian self‐advocates were conducted. Results: A qualitative thematic analysis has provided answers on the following questions: how individuals with ID conceptualise sexuality, love, and intimate relationships ; what experiences they have regarding their own sexuality ; what their awareness on social and legal norms is, as well as the sexual risks ; and how they perceive sexual rights. Implications: It has been shown that the sexual awareness and perceptions of people with ID is significantly marked by general experience of transition to adulthood and intellectual disability identity. The development of their sexual identity is also marked by available opportunities and limitations interconnected to living conditions, sex education, family, professional and community support.

Sexuality, Sexual identity, Sexual self‐advocacy, Sexual experience

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