The experiences of intimate relationships by people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
People with intellectual disabilities face attitudinal and service barriers when attempting to form intimate relationships. To date, their experiences and views are under-represented in the existing evidence base.


METHODS
The aim of this study was to carry out an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the experience of intimate relationships for nine adults with intellectual disabilities.


RESULTS
Four main themes were identified: desiring relationships; expressing sexuality; having relationships; and who has control? Together these themes demonstrated that intimate relationships were desired and important to all participants, fulfilling a variety of their needs. In addition, participants faced a number of challenges related to intimate relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings raise questions about how best to support people with intellectual disabilities with sexuality and intimate relationships. Implications for caregivers and services are discussed.
Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Elizabeth
E
Rushbrooke
Craig
C
Murray
Samantha
S
Townsend
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology
intellectual disability; relationships; sexuality