engleski

Sexual identity, experiences and attitudes of people with intellectual and physical disabilities

OBJECTIVES: Project of the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences (Zagreb) was carried out in Croatia in 2017 with theobjective to expand knowledge on the characteristics of sexual identity of people with intellectual (ID) and physical disabilities (PD). METHODS: In the case of persons with ID, a focus group interview method was used which included four groups of 8-10 persons. A qualitative thematic analysis has provided a thematic unified key response category on the following issues: how people with ID experience describe sexuality, love, and intimate relationships ; experiences they have with regard to their own expression of sexuality, partnerships and relationships ; how well they know social and legal norms, as well as the risks associated with sexual relationships. The aim of the research related to people with PD is to establish the correlation between the quality of life and the sexual self-esteem of persons with PD, and explore sexual self-esteem of persons with PD considering marital status. 20 respondents with PD, chronological age 21-51 (M = 31.9 years) completed two online questionnaires: SF-36 Health Questionnaire and Physical Disability Sexual and Body Esteem Questionnaire (PDSBE, Taleporos & McCabe, 2002). RESULTS: It has been shown that the development of sexual identity of people with ID is significantly marked by general experience of growing up and intellectual difficulties. Further, development of sexual identity of people with ID is also marked by available opportunities and limitations of the environment which depends, on the other hand, interconnected to living conditions, sexual education and other forms of necessary support. In the group of people with PD, results show statistically significant differences between individuals who are single and married in relation to the overall outcome of the PDSB questionnaire (p = 0.041), where related persons have significantly better sexual and physical self-sufficiency. Also, persons who are in relationship considered themselves more attractive to people of the opposite sex (p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant correlation between quality of life and sexual self-esteem. CONCLUSION: The research contributes to the expansion of the existing and the identification of new scientific-foundations at national and international level and guidelines for further research. . It also provides guidance on parent / family education, caregivers / legal representatives, experts from different profiles, decision-makers, and the public with a view to better address the challenges of providing adequate support to people with ID and PD in important area of life, personal identity and social roles.

sexual identity ; sexual self-esteem ; people with intellectual disabilities ; people with physical disabilities

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