Family caregiver's experiences of sexuality and learning disability
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The sexual and romantic lives of adults with intellectual disabilities who are LGBQ+: Experiences, attitudes, and influences of their family caregivers
IRAS ID
304425
Contact name
Caitlin Turner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 23 days
Research summary
Recent changes in policy within the United Kingdom has shifted societal expectations of increased independence and social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. However, barriers still remain for adults with intellectual disabilities who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer+ (LGBQ+) in developing sexual, romantic, and intimate relationships.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities may remain in the family home throughout their life, receiving continued support and involvement from their parents and family members, which may impact on their social and sexual autonomy.
To date, there are no qualitative research studies that explore the values, attitudes, and experiences of family caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBQ+. The proposed study would explore the experiences of family carers, how their views have changed over time, and what support has been useful, using a qualitative design.
Participants will be adult family members of adults with a diagnosis of a learning disability who identify as LGBQ+.
Participants will be recruited via third sector organisations, the NHS, social media, and local authorities. Recruitment through the NHS, third sector, and local authority will share similar protocols, in which staff members will be contacted by email or telephone and recruitment information will be shared, with the aim that this would be cascaded to both staff and potential participants. Recruitment materials will include a Participant Information Sheet, an advert, and a poster.
As the study uses a qualitative design, data will be collected via interview, taking place via video conferencing software, which will be recorded and transcribed. The interview will be 30-90 minutes, depending on the participant and how much they wish to share. The transcriptions will be analysed.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0839
Date of REC Opinion
15 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion