Voices from parents on the sexuality of their child with intellectual disabilities: A socioemotional perspective in a Chinese context.

PARENT attitudes; CAREGIVER attitudes; PROFESSIONAL practice; PSYCHOLOGY of parents; HUMAN sexuality; RESEARCH methodology; INTERVIEWING; SOCIAL factors; QUALITATIVE research; PHENOMENOLOGY; SELF-efficacy; PARENTING; GOVERNMENT policy; PARENT-child relationships; SOCIAL services; EMOTIONS; INTELLECTUAL disabilities; SOCIAL case work; CHILDREN

Background: This qualitative study explored the attitudes and experiences of Hong Kong Chinese parents/carers relating to the sexual needs of their child with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Hong Kong with seven parents/carers applying Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore their experiences of and attitudes towards the sexual needs of their adult child with intellectual disabilities. Findings: Data revealed three salient variations in participants' attitudes towards the child's sexual needs: concern, reluctance and prohibition. Participants' anxiety about discussing sexuality was evident. Most participants further displayed a layer of feeling that combined 'love' and 'grief'. Based on Goffman's dramaturgical perspective, participants exhibited front stage and back stage behaviours that are believed to be strongly influenced by stigmatisation and collectivist culture. Conclusion: Various levels of intervention to reduce stigma are identified and discussed. This study also highlighted the role of caring professionals in generating awareness of the cultural impact on the family and the need to carefully address the subtle feelings experienced by family members with intellectual disabilities. Accessible summary: People with intellectual disabilities experience physical changes and wide‐ranging sexual expression. Their parents are among the most important influences on the development of their sexuality.This study investigated the experiences and attitudes in Hong Kong of parents/carers with an adult child with intellectual disabilities regarding their child's sexuality.We considered what mattered most to parents/carers in three areas: They have had less concern with sexuality, they were hesitant to talk about sex, and were not allowing their adult child with intellectual disabilities to have sex or romantic relationships. Parents/carers were also anxious about discussing sexuality and displayed feelings that combined 'love' and 'grief'.Stigma should be reduced. Caring professionals should also be aware of the cultural factors that impact the feelings of people with intellectual disabilities and their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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