Sexuality and mental disability? Self-determination and sexual pedagogical intervention in the residential home (PDF)

Diploma Thesis from the year 2010 in the subject Health - Persons with disabilities, grade: Very good, University of Marburg, language: English, abstract: 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.