The unintended invisible hand: a conceptual framework for the analysis of the sexual lives of people with intellectual disabilities

Lam, Yuk Kit Angus, Yau, Matthew, Franklin, Richard C., and Leggat, Peter A. (2019) The unintended invisible hand: a conceptual framework for the analysis of the sexual lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Sexuality and Disability, 37 (2). pp. 203-226.

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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.

Item ID: 61798
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1573-6717
Keywords: Hong Kong, Intellectual disabilities, Parents and service providers, Self-determination, Sexual expression, Sexuality
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Copyright Information: © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Date Deposited: 09 Feb 2020 23:18
FoR Codes: 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4206 Public health > 420603 Health promotion @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920599 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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