The Design, Content and Delivery of Relationship and Sexuality Education Programmes for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review of the International Evidence

Michael Brown, Edward McCann, Maria Truesdale, Mark Linden and Lynne Marsh
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Michael Brown: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, UK
Edward McCann: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
Maria Truesdale: Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 0XH, UK
Mark Linden: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, UK
Lynne Marsh: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL, UK

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of this population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and quality appraisal undertaken. The four themes identified were principles informing RSE programme development, design and content of RSE programmes, delivery of RSE programmes and evaluation of RSE programmes. The discussion presents areas that need to be addressed to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and professionals are fully involved in the design and delivery of RSE programmes. Further research is required to identify the impact of the programmes and the sustained outcomes achieved. Recommendations are made regarding the activities required to enable the development of evidence-based and person-centred approaches to relationship and sexuality programmes.

Keywords: intimate relationships; sexuality; programme content; programme delivery; intellectual disabilities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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