MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    The Experiences of Young People with Intellectual Disability, Parents and Professionals in Relationships and Sexuality Education Programmes: Findings from a Qualitative Study


    Brown, Michael, Linden, Mark, Marsh, Lynne, Truesdale, Maria, Sheerin, Fintan and McCormick, Freda (2024) The Experiences of Young People with Intellectual Disability, Parents and Professionals in Relationships and Sexuality Education Programmes: Findings from a Qualitative Study. Healthcare, 12 (1105). pp. 1-11. ISSN 2227-9032

    Abstract

    People with intellectual disability want friendships and meaningful relationships, and some want intimacy. However, the expression of sexuality is an area where potential freedoms are often limited and restricted compared to their peers. While some relationships and sexuality education programmes do exist for this population, most focus on knowledge acquisition regarding sexuality and sex but lack in their focus on relationships, informed choices and decision-making. The aim of this study was to identify good practices and methods of delivery in relationships and sexuality education for children and young people with intellectual disability. A qualitative design was undertaken. Information about our study was distributed to eight special schools in the UK. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were employed for data collection. Data from 37 pupils with intellectual disability, 11 parents and 16 healthcare and other professionals were thematically analysed. Following data analysis, three themes emerged: (i) seeking and sharing information; (ii) protecting and keeping safe; and (iii) learning for the future. The findings highlight that pupils are keen to learn about life changes and societal influences and want reliable information. Parents and professionals recognise that children and young people with intellectual disability will develop into adults and may be vulnerable when they leave the security of the school setting. They recognise that children and young people need to know about socialising, puberty, consent and contraception. Evidence-based programmes should be designed with these stakeholders to ensure children and young people with intellectual disability receive developmentally appropriate information to make happy and safe decisions about their relationships.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: relationships; sexuality; education; intellectual disability; health; qualitative;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science & Engineering > Research Institutes > Human Health Institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Nursing
    Item ID: 21438
    Identification Number: 10.3390/healthcare12111105
    Depositing User: Fintan Sheerin
    Date Deposited: 15 Apr 2026 14:38
    Journal or Publication Title: Healthcare
    Publisher: MDPI
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads

    Altmetric Badge

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page