Parents' Experiences of the Sexual Development of Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

YURDAKUL Y., Kublay Y.

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, cilt.38, sa.4, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 38 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/jar.70112
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Periodicals Index Online, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: adolescent, intellectual disability, sexual development, sexuality
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: This study aims to systematically synthesise qualitative research findings regarding the sexual development of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) from the perspective of their parents. Method: A comprehensive search across seven databases identified 15 studies on parents' experiences regarding the sexual development of adolescents (10–19 years) with intellectual disabilities. In the study, the ENTREQ guidelines were followed, and the CASP checklist was used for quality assessment. Data synthesis followed an inductive approach by Sandelowski and Barroso. Results: Parents' experiences were categorised into five themes: parents' perceptions of their children's sexuality, social and emotional impacts of sexual changes, parents' needs and strategies for sexual education, increasing concerns and responsibilities with sexual changes, and strategies for managing sexual behaviours. Conclusion: Educational and guidance services provided by health professionals regarding the sexual development of children with intellectual disabilities could help manage sexual needs and sexual health issues within this population more effectively.