Sexual behaviours of individuals with developmental disabilities in South Korea: A qualitative study exploring the views and experiences of professionals

ABSTRACT

Background

Despite the considerable number of young adults with developmental disabilities experiencing sexual desire and exhibiting sexual behaviours as part of their natural biological growth and development, there is a lack of research on effective intervention. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of professionals on the sexual behaviours of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with eight professionals specialising in developmental disabilities and/or inappropriate sexual behaviours were conducted, and their responses were analysed using a qualitative method.

Results

Professionals’ experiences were categorised into three based on the groups involved in intervention: people with developmental disabilities (desire, factors leading to lack of desire fulfilment), their family/parents (emotions and cognition/behaviours toward their child’s disability and sexuality), and professionals (current intervention method, lack of human/material resources).

Conclusion

Based on these findings, we suggest future directions for interventions to address sexual behaviours among individuals with developmental disabilities.

KEYWORDS:

• developmental disability
• sexual behaviours
• qualitative study

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by Hanyang University Medical Centre Autism & Developmental Disorder Treatment Centre, funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).