Staff attitudes towards the sexuality of persons with intellectual disability

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to assess attitudes towards the sexuality of persons with intellectual disability held by staff employed in the field, using an instrument originally designed by Brantlinger (1983). In contrast to the findings of earlier studies (Haavik & Menninger, 1981; Mitchell, Doctor & Butler, 1978; Saunders, 1979) these results indicated that in general the staff held moderately liberal attitudes. Younger staff members (under 40 years of age) and those who reported a university education held more liberal attitudes towards the sexuality of persons with intellectual disability. Professional staff had significantly more liberal attitudes than those of direct-care staff. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.