Perceived Vulnerability and Parents' Views on Intimate Relationships: Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Versus Their Siblings

Background Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) face unique barriers in forming romantic/intimate relationships, including being labelled as ‘vulnerable adults’. Parents are often more involved in the lives of their adult children with ID including with intimate relationships. This involvement can both support and restrict the development of autonomy and intimacy. Understanding how parents perceive and respond to their child's vulnerability is essential, as these perceptions can directly influence the opportunities and support their children receive in navigating romantic and intimate relationships. The aim of this study was to explore how parents' perceptions of vulnerability impact their involvement in the intimate relationship experiences of their adult children with ID compared to their adult child without ID. Methods As part of a larger convergent mixed methods research study, 20 parents who had an adult child with ID and an adult child without ID participated in semistructured interviews. Secondary data analysis of qualitative data from these interviews was conducted to examine themes related to the impact of vulnerability on experiences. Results Parents described perceiving their adult children with ID as more vulnerable, leading to delayed discussions about sexuality, heightened concerns and more direct involvement in their relationship experiences compared to their adult children without ID. They also described struggling to balance protective behaviours with fostering independence. Conclusion Findings highlight the nuanced challenges parents face due to societal norms, communication barriers and their adult child's cognitive and adaptive functioning—all of which contribute to heightened perceptions of vulnerability. These perceptions, in turn, shape the level and nature of parental involvement in their adult child's romantic and intimate relationships. This study emphasises the need for parental support, resources and programming to facilitate safe and fulfilling romantic and intimate relationship experiences for adults with ID.