Securing sexual justice for people with intellectual disability: A systematic review and critical appraisal of research recommendations
In: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities: JARID, Band 35, Heft 4, S. 921-934
ISSN: 1468-3148
AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disability contend with significant restrictions to their sexual expression and partnered relationships. This review examines the types of recommendations scholars offer in their qualitative research involving participants with intellectual disability discussing sexuality and intimate relationships.MethodA systematic review of peer‐reviewed studies published between 1972 and July 2018 yielded a sample of 26 studies. Thematic analysis was used to taxonomize scholars' recommendations.ResultsSix distinct forms of recommendations were identified. The most frequently offered and most strongly emphasized recommendation across studies aimed to change individuals with intellectual disability. In contrast, a minority of studies prioritized engaging individuals as informants, eliciting individuals' wishes, enabling relationships and fostering ideological change. No studies placed the greatest weight on promoting systems change.ConclusionsRecommendations in the literature have predominantly emphasized individual as opposed to environmental changes. I consider the ramifications of this and argue for a reorientation towards systems change.