Intellectual disability and sexuality: Attitudes of disability support staff and leisure industry employees

Abstract

Background The attitudes of support staff and others in the community towards the sexuality of individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) have the potential to influence opportunities for normalised life experiences in the area of sexuality.

Method A sample of 169 disability support staff and 50 employees from leisure and service industries completed the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaires (Individuals with an Intellectual Disability [ASQ–ID], and Individuals from the General Population [ASQ–GP]).

Results Support staff and leisure workers reported generally positive attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with an ID, but men were seen as having less self-control than women. Support staff were more cautious in their views about parenting, and both groups considered a lower level of sexual freedom to be desirable for women with an ID compared to women who are developing typically.

Conclusions Attitudes of both groups are generally quite positive in relation to ID and sexuality.

Keywords:

• attitudes
• sexuality
• parenting
• intellectual disability
• ASQ–ID