Sexuality of Individuals with Intellectual disabilities from Siblings’ Perspective: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the perspectives of non-disabled siblings regarding the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The qualitative methods of mostly deep investigation and exploration were designed in the phenomenology pattern, which uses the shared opinions, perception and experience. Siblings of individuals between the ages of 18-33 and those with intellectual disabilities participated in the study. While collecting the data, Demographic Information Form and Semi-Structured Interview Form created by the researchers were used. Content analysis steps were followed in the analysis of the data. According to the results obtained from the research, three main themes have been identified: the sexuality and sexual development of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the eyes of their non-disabled siblings, the views of non-disabled siblings on the sexual life of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the reflections of the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities on their non-disabled siblings’ sexuality and social participation. In the light of the results obtained, studies on the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities were discussed and parallel results were reached; however, it was seen that more research is needed due to the limited number of studies that included evaluations from the eyes of siblings without disabilities.