title: The Close Relationships of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Positive interpersonal relationships have been found to enhance an individual's quality of life. However, people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) often have restricted social networks, and little is known about their views on close social relationships. The study aimed to explore how this group perceives and experiences close relationships.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten (6 = men 4 = women) PWID participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results report on three of five themes drawn from a larger qualitative study: 'Relationships feeling safe and being useful'; 'Who's in charge?' and 'Struggling for an ordinary life'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Close relationships are valued and desired by PWID, but a variety of barriers inhibit their development and maintenance. This includes the failure of others to value, accept and appropriately support the independence and relationships of PWID. Potential ways of addressing these issues are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychology Department, Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Faye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.affiliation: Learning Disability Clinical Psychology Department, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk Community Hospital, Falkirk, UK.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bowden
authors.affiliation: Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychology Department, Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Ethel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Quayle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012449:Safety; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: experiences; intellectual disability; interpretive phenomenological analysis; qualitative; relationships