Attitudes towards sexuality: Do people with intellectual disabilities of the general population differ?
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Abstract
Attitudes toward sexual expression of the intellectual disabled by the general population are still very restrictive. The aim of this study is to analyze the attitudes towards sexuality in people with and without intellectual disabilities. We use the Attitudes Toward Sexuality Scale and a demographic questionnaire in a sample of 729 people divided in two groups, 360 people with ID and 369 people without ID. Results reveal that 6.1% of subjects with ID present conservative attitudes and 93.9% have moderate attitudes. In addition, 0.5% of the subjects without disabilities have conservative attitudes, 64% moderate attitudes and the 35.5% liberal attitudes. Globally, people without ID have more liberal attitudes towards sexuality than people with ID. The results reveal that people with ID apply self-censorship in the experience of their sexuality. This internalized attitude is based on the prevailing morality that exempts certain persons from the possibility to carry out some practices or sexual attitudes.
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