Attitudes to sexuality in individuals with mental retardation from perspectives of their parents and teachers

Abstract

Sexuality is an integral part of adults’ life. In the past, ignorance and fear by others have prevented
persons with mental retardation (MR) from fully participation as members of society. Attitudes of
parents, caregivers and teachers to the sexual expression of individuals with mental retardation are
important factors in designing comprehensive programs. The aim of this investigation is to study the
attitudes of sexuality in individuals with mental retardation from perspectives of their parents and
teachers. This is a descriptive-survey study. A questionnaire was designed with analytical-comparative
review of literature and theoretical fundamentals for the study of teachers and parents viewpoints
regarding mental retarded sexual problems and their suggestions. After pilot study using convenient
sampling method 50 teachers and 48 parents were examined. According to the data analysis, teachers
and parents’ perspectives and their suggestions were: emphasis on sexual education, energy
discharges on adolescent through sport and other physical abilities, emphasis on genetic consultation
before marriage, emphasis on life skills education, emphasis on ability of mental retarded perception of
sexual needs and love assertion, and perception of relation with confidants and strangers.