The sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities is still a taboo subject even in our liberal society. Looking at the general public, it seems that sexuality and disability are mutually exclusive. In professional circles, on the other hand, there is a consensus that sexuality is a self-evident basic need and fundamental right even for people who are labeled mentally handicapped.
This thesis examines the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities with special regard to their living situation in a residential home. The author creates sexual educational guidelines, which should enable and support the living of a self-determined sexuality for the people living in the residential home.
In the context of this project, the question "What is the significance of sexuality for human development and for personality development for people with a so-called mental disability in particular?" is dealt with, as this is the basis for the development of the guidelines.
In this context, factors that impede the personality development and thus also the development of the sexuality of a person with a so-called intellectual disability are pointed out. Overall, this work is intended to contribute to a further removal of the taboos surrounding the sexuality of the group of people concerned and to strengthen their right to a self-determined sexuality in the residential home.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definitions of terms
- Sexuality
- Sex education
- Traditionally repressive sex education
- Political-emancipatory sex education
- Affirmative or mediating liberal sex education
- Individual-emancipatory sex education
- On the understanding of "disability"
- The World Health Organisation's definition
- SGB IX
- Social explanatory approaches
- The term "mental disability"
- Difficulties of defining the term
- Subject-specific perspectives
- Own working definition
- Identity
- Conceptual approach
- Identity concept
- Stigma, stigmatisation and stigma identity thesis
- Identity model according to Frey
- Significance of Frey's model for personality development
- Destigmatization techniques and stigma management
- Interim conclusion
- Sexual identity
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Interim conclusion on sexual identity
- Sexuality in general
- Sexual theories
- Freud
- Kinsey
- Focault
- Kentler
- Sexual development
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Family as a place of socialization
- The family as an ecological system according to Bronfenbrenner
- Socialization in the family according to Hurrelmann
- Sexual socialization in the family
- Importance of sexuality for adults
- Sexuality - a fundamental right
- Sexual theories
- Sexuality of people with a so-called intellectual disability
- Sexuality and so-called mental retardation according to sporks
- Differences and possible problems in sexual development
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Sexuality in adulthood
- Sexual assistance and sexual support as a possibility of sexual experience
- Prejudices about the sexuality of people with a so-called intellectual disability
- Synthesis
- Guiding concepts of rehabilitation pedagogy
- Principle of normalization
- Self-determination
- Empowerment
- Dormitory and sexuality
- Excursus I: The importance of housing for people
- Current living situations
- Forms of living
- Fully stationary forms of housing
- Semi-stationary forms of housing
- Outpatient living
- Interim conclusion
- Limitations of sexuality due to structural conditions
- Studies on self-determination and sexuality in the dormitory
- Sonnenberg (2004)
- Walter and Hoyler-Herrmann (1987)
- Seefeld (1997)
- Fegert et al. (2006)
- Interim conclusion
- Excursus II: Community Living in Sweden
- Support for self-determination and sex education guidelines
- Support for self-determination
- Sex education guidelines
- General requirements at institutional level
- Basic guiding principle
- Understanding sexuality
- Sex education objectives
- Sexual education support and accompaniment
- Design of the living space
- Sexual education of employees
- Parenting
- Sexual education topics
- Outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the complex relationship between sexuality and mental disability, focusing on the concept of self-determination and the role of sexual pedagogical interventions in residential care settings. It examines how individuals with mental disabilities navigate their sexual identity and express their sexuality within the context of institutionalized care.
- The definition and understanding of "mental disability" and its impact on personal identity.
- The significance of self-determination and empowerment in promoting positive sexual experiences for individuals with mental disabilities.
- The role of sexual education and interventions within residential settings to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with mental disabilities.
- The importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments that respect the rights and autonomy of individuals with mental disabilities in relation to their sexuality.
- The influence of societal prejudices and stigma surrounding the sexuality of individuals with mental disabilities.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introductory chapter lays the groundwork for the study by defining key terms such as sexuality, mental disability, and sex education. Chapter 2 delves into the complexities of identity formation, exploring concepts such as stigma, stigmatisation, and identity models. The role of sexual identity, encompassing both gender identity and sexual orientation, is also discussed. Chapter 3 provides a broad overview of sexuality in general, examining various sexual theories, developmental stages, and the significance of family socialization.
Chapter 4 focuses specifically on the sexuality of people with so-called intellectual disabilities, examining existing research, potential problems in sexual development, and the importance of sexual assistance and support. Chapter 5 synthesizes key arguments and introduces guiding concepts of rehabilitation pedagogy, emphasizing the principles of normalization, self-determination, and empowerment.
Chapter 6 explores the relationship between dormitories and sexuality, considering the importance of housing, current living situations, and the limitations imposed by structural conditions. The chapter also examines relevant studies on self-determination and sexuality within residential care settings. Chapter 7 provides an interim conclusion, followed by an excursus on Community Living in Sweden.
The final section delves into the importance of supporting self-determination and providing comprehensive sex education guidelines within institutional settings. It outlines general requirements, guiding principles, education objectives, and strategies for supporting individuals with mental disabilities in navigating their sexuality.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and focus topics of this work include sexuality, mental disability, self-determination, sex education, residential care, sexual identity, empowerment, stigma, normalization, and inclusive environments. The study explores the intersection of these concepts, aiming to contribute to a greater understanding of the sexual rights and needs of individuals with mental disabilities.
- Quote paper
- Astrid Niehues (Author), 2010, Sexuality and mental disability? Self-determination and sexual pedagogical intervention in the residential home, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1255718
