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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| Authors: | Maguire, Karla, Gleeson, Kate, Holmes, Nan |
| Source: | British Journal of Learning Disabilities. Mar2019, Vol. 47 Issue 1, p59-65. 7p. |
| Subjects: | Emotions, Interviewing, People with intellectual disabilities, Safety, Human sexuality, Occupational roles, Social support, Attitudes toward sex, Unlicensed medical personnel, Adults |
| Abstract: | Accessible Summary: We asked support workers what they thought about their role supporting sexuality.They said they want to try to support sexuality and relationships but also have to keep people safe.They said they have lots of things to consider which makes it difficult.We think support workers need more training and advice to help them talk about some of their worries and difficulties supporting sexuality. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of British Journal of Learning Disabilities is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Accessible Summary: We asked support workers what they thought about their role supporting sexuality.They said they want to try to support sexuality and relationships but also have to keep people safe.They said they have lots of things to consider which makes it difficult.We think support workers need more training and advice to help them talk about some of their worries and difficulties supporting sexuality. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 13544187 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bld.12256 |
