Premium
Challenges in the delivery of sex education for people with intellectual disabilities: A Chinese cultural‐contextual analysis
Author(s) -
Lam Angus,
Yau Matthew K.,
Franklin Richard C.,
Leggat Peter A.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.13025
Subject(s) - psychology , trainer , intellectual disability , context (archaeology) , collectivism , feeling , interpretative phenomenological analysis , sociocultural evolution , human sexuality , resistance (ecology) , developmental psychology , intervention (counseling) , social psychology , pedagogy , qualitative research , sociology , gender studies , social science , paleontology , ecology , psychiatry , individualism , computer science , political science , anthropology , law , biology , programming language
Background Staff members' views can have a significant impact on sexuality issues of people with intellectual disabilities. Research on the impact of sociocultural factors in this area in the Chinese context is sparse. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven professionals (social worker, nurse, life skills trainer and manager) to explore their experiences of and attitudes towards the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities by applying interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results The study identified two major themes, each with two sub‐themes: 1. Professional handling of the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities (sex education and intervention); 2. Barriers (incompatible approaches and parental resistance). Participants also experienced feelings of resignation facing the barriers they encountered. Collectivism and cultural view about sex are potentially the influencing factors. Conclusion This study highlights the need to adopt an evidence‐based sex education programme whose content and delivery should take account of cultural factors.