Journal article
The Unintended Invisible Hand: A Conceptual Framework for the Analysis of the Sexual Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Sexuality and disability, Vol.37, pp.203-226
01/06/2019
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Abstract
People with intellectual disabilities (PID) share the same needs for affectionate and intimate relationships as other people. In this study, a review of the literature was performed to (a) examine the opinions reported in the peer-reviewed literature regarding the sexual experiences of PID and (b) identify factors that contribute to the promotion or restriction of sexual expression by PID. Sixteen qualitative articles were identified from electronic databases and reviewed. People with PID were found to exhibit the same spectrum of sexual life as the general population, and three major themes were identified: abstinence, regulation, and autonomy. Some PID preferred to abstain from sex, whereas others considered engagement in sexual activity to have a hand that affects and influences the rights of PID to engage in sexual activity. Further empirical research on the empowerment of sexual expression of PID and the formation of the unintended invisible hand is needed, as this will provide information to families and welfare systems and thus enhance the self-determination and rights of PID to pursue sexual expression and satisfaction.
Details
- Title
- The Unintended Invisible Hand: A Conceptual Framework for the Analysis of the Sexual Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities
- Creators
- Angus Lam - James Cook UniversityMatthew Yau - James Cook UniversityRichard C. Franklin - James Cook UniversityPeter A. Leggat - James Cook University
- Publication Details
- Sexuality and disability, Vol.37, pp.203-226
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 24
- Identifiers
- 991013184212202368
- Copyright
- © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article