Experiences of parents of adolescents with intellectual disabilities regarding the transition to sexual development: A transitions theory‐based qualitative study


Karataş N., İşler Dalgıç A.

Journal Of Intellectual Disability Research, cilt.66, sa.3, ss.250-264, 2021 (SSCI)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 66 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jir.12908
  • Dergi Adı: Journal Of Intellectual Disability Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, PASCAL, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.250-264
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

Background

To describe of the experiences of parents regarding the transition to sexual development of their adolescents with intellectual disabilities who are 15–19 years old.

Methods

This study employs a descriptive interpretative approach and uses Meleis's transitions theory as its theoretical frame of reference. This study uses purposive sampling methods for recruitment. We collected data through individual semi‐structured interviews (n = 11) and researcher observations between February 2021 and April 2021 and employed an inductive content analysis approach.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the data: parental factors driving the transition process, parents' needs regarding the transition process, and outcomes of the transition process. In addition, most parents struggled to remodel their identities following the transition due to concerns over their adolescent's ability to cope with the challenges of adulthood.

Conclusion

Considered in the context of middle‐range transitions theory, we suggest that parental experiences regarding adolescents' transition to sexual development stem from varying levels of uncertainty and depend on the situation, preferences, and family needs of each individual parent. It is useful to utilise Meleis's transitions theory to understand deeply and explore the impact of the sexual development of adolescents with intellectual disabilities on parents.

Keywords
Adolescent | Intellectual disability | Parent | Qualitative research | Sexual development | Transitions theory