Clinical psychologists’ experiences of exploring sex and intimacy with people with intellectual disabilities and their networks: a phenomenological study

Section A presents a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on women's experiences with intellectual disabilities (WID) around sex and intimate relationships. The review used a standardised appraisal tool to assess study quality and analysed their findings using thematic synthesis. Twenty-two studies met the review's eligibility criteria, with 232 WID participating. The analysis yielded six master themes:valuing intimacy, autonomy vs safety, abuse and its sequelae, sexual knowledge, "Sex is not for me!" and facilitating sex and relationships. Based on those themes, the review discussed potential clinical implications of how to support WID around their intimate lives. Equally, after considering methodological limitations, the review discussed future research areas.

Section B presents a study on UK-based clinical psychologists' (CPs) experiences supporting adults with ID and their networks around their psychosexual needs. The study employed a purposive-sampling strategy to recruit ten CPs who worked in a combination of NHS-funded community and inpatient settings. Participants engaged in individual semi-structured interviews, and their data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The analysis identified three superordinate themes: "being given the responsibility", "working with the shades of grey", and the "thwarted duty to protect and empower". In addition, the study discussed potential clinical implications surrounding the support CPs might need when working with individuals, teams and organisations around PWID’s psychosexual needs. Finally, the study examined methodological limitations and future research recommendations