Support Workers' Understanding of Their Role Supporting the Sexuality of People with Learning Disabilities
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| Title: | Support Workers' Understanding of Their Role Supporting the Sexuality of People with Learning Disabilities |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Maguire, Karla (ORCID |
| Source: | British Journal of Learning Disabilities. Mar 2019 47(1):59-65. |
| Availability: | Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 2019 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Learning Disabilities, Sexuality, Positive Attitudes, Adults, Social Services, Counselor Role, Negative Attitudes, Reflection, Counselor Training |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.12256 |
| ISSN: | 1354-4187 |
| Abstract: | Background: Despite positive attitudes amongst support staff towards sexuality, adults with learning disabilities report being dissatisfied with the support they receive. This research aimed to explore support workers' understanding of their role supporting the sexuality of adults with learning disabilities. Method: Six support workers from supported living services were interviewed about their role. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three themes emerged which were understood as suggesting that support workers held conflicting beliefs and emotions about their role supporting sexuality. This was interpreted as creating an ambivalence that could result in support workers distancing themselves from an active role in supporting sexuality. Conclusion: This study concluded that support workers may inadvertently express an understanding of their role that may be consistent with negative and limiting discourses about the sexuality of adults with learning disabilities. The findings suggest a continuing need for sexuality training with a focus on reflective practice. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2019 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1204992 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Background: Despite positive attitudes amongst support staff towards sexuality, adults with learning disabilities report being dissatisfied with the support they receive. This research aimed to explore support workers' understanding of their role supporting the sexuality of adults with learning disabilities. Method: Six support workers from supported living services were interviewed about their role. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three themes emerged which were understood as suggesting that support workers held conflicting beliefs and emotions about their role supporting sexuality. This was interpreted as creating an ambivalence that could result in support workers distancing themselves from an active role in supporting sexuality. Conclusion: This study concluded that support workers may inadvertently express an understanding of their role that may be consistent with negative and limiting discourses about the sexuality of adults with learning disabilities. The findings suggest a continuing need for sexuality training with a focus on reflective practice. |
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| ISSN: | 1354-4187 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.12256 |
