What do they think? The opinions of women with intellectual disabilities on affective-sexual relationships: an interview-based study

Abstract

Background Although the rights to sexuality and intimacy are increasingly recognised, it is a widely held assumption that women with intellectual disabilities are unable to express their sexuality freely, partly due to a lack of research and information on the topic. Objective To explore the perspectives of women with intellectual disabilities on affective-sexual relationships, identify their specific support needs, inform the development of inclusive educational and psychosocial interventions, and propose policy improvements to promote their rights. Method Individual interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. Results The results are divided into five areas: the LGBTQIA+ community; couple relationships; contraception and sex; abuse; and family and motherhood. Conclusion The identified challenges related largely to external barriers. Their accounts allowed us to compile a list of the support they deem necessary, such as adapted sex education; further research based on their experiences; the creation of specific resources; and raising general awareness in society

This work was supported by a FI-2021 PhD grant by the AGAUR—The Catalonian University and Research Grants Management Agency (Grant number: 2021FI_B 00337)