Being out as LGBT with a Learning Difficulty - an IPA study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Being Out with a Learning Difficulty? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of how people with access to a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans(gendered) people with learning difficulties experience the development of their sexual identities.
IRAS ID
124531
Contact name
Beth Greenhill
Contact email
Research summary
• TITLE
How do people with learning difficulties (LD) with access to a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans(gendered) (LGBT) people experience the development of their sexual identities?
• WHY?
The study aims to explore how individuals with LD who are LGBT understand and think about their sexual identities, things which influence these, and the consequences of disclosing identities i.e. ‘coming out’. Historically, services for people with LD overlooked sexual and identity needs, despite need existing. Awareness increased in recent times but people are often assumed to be heterosexual when they might not be. Few research studies have investigated what it is like to have LD and be LGBT and what support people want and need. Therefore, we need to find this out to know how best to support this often invisible group of people.
• WHAT?
The broad area of study is human sexuality and identity from a psychological viewpoint.
• WHO?
People who attend or have access to a support group in Liverpool for people with learning difficulties who are, or might be, lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans(gendered) will be eligible to participate.
• WHERE?
The ‘Be Out with Learning Difficulties’ support group at the Armistead Centre is hosted in Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust.
• HOW?
Semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted with up to ten people; transcribed accounts of each interview will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The research is due to be completed by 30/09/2014.
• FUNDING
The study will be carried out in part fulfilment of a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. The study is funded by the University of Liverpool Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0379
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion