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Establishing and Maintaining Couple Relationships as Perceived by Couples with Intellectual Disabilities: Implications for Families, Support Staff, and Policy Change
Author(s) -
Neuman Ran
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of policy and practice in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1741-1130
pISSN - 1741-1122
DOI - 10.1111/jppi.12329
Subject(s) - psychology , attractiveness , thematic analysis , coping (psychology) , intellectual disability , population , social psychology , intervention (counseling) , developmental psychology , content analysis , qualitative research , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , social science , environmental health , sociology , psychoanalysis
Couple relationships are central to adult lives in the general population, but less accessible to adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, little is known regarding factors that enable couple relationships among this population. In the present study, semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 Israeli couples with ID. The interview protocol addressed conditions that enabled the relationship, challenges encountered in the relationship, and coping strategies employed in accordance. Thematic content analysis was conducted. According to the interviewees, conditions propelling couples with ID to engage and stay in their relationships included: partner's attractiveness, viewing the partner as a source of comfort following a crisis, and the intervention of matchmakers. Stated challenges included: difficulties arising from within the relationship and from other persons in the couples' close milieu. Coping strategies included: mutual assistance, giving space to the partner, aspiring for a lifelong relationship, and turning to support staff for assistance. Recommendations for changing non‐ID significant others' attitudes toward couples with ID and providing necessary supports are presented. Implications for policy change are provided.