Supporting people with IDD to find loving relationships
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to find loving relationships
IRAS ID
237976
Contact name
Michelle McCarthy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Adult social care rarely prioritises or facilitates loving adult relationships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The result of this is that their emotional, psychological, social and sexual needs often go unmet. The aim of this research project is to explore different models of relationship support currently in use in the UK, with a particular focus on the use of specialist dating agencies for people with IDD. However, as only a small minority of people with IDD will ever use a dating agency, it is essential to also examine the more informal support that they get in residential or other support services, as well those naturally occurring supports in the family home. This research project will use mixed methods and include the experiences of people with IDD who have established loving relationships, as well as those who would like this, but have not been able to achieve this. Findings will be disseminated through the usual academic avenues of journal papers and presentations, but also via direct communications with people with IDD themselves and the organisations, professionals and carers who support them.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
17/IEC08/0053
Date of REC Opinion
20 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion