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The Dynamics of Intimate Relations in Residential Settings for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Social Workers’ Perspective

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Abstract

Introduction

Despite recent progressive changes in policy, practices, and discourse, when it comes to intimacy and sexuality, the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities remain unrealized. Drawing on interviews with Israeli social workers employed in residential settings, the study seeks to better understand mechanisms and factors behind this reality.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen Israeli licensed social workers employed in small and large group homes. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results

Using a temporal perspective, the identified themes are organized according to common, potential relationship stages: (a) forming a relationship; (b) practicalities of relationships: private and shared time; (c) dealing with relationship conflicts; (d) cohabitation; and (e) breakup. We trace the barriers experienced in each stage as well as the way social workers perceive both these barriers and their own role in overcoming them.

Conclusions

We suggest four root causes that underlie the intimacy-challenged life of people with intellectual disabilities in residential settings: (a) the institutional nature of residential services; (b) organizational culture and practices; (c) limited resources; and (d) the human factor.

Policy Implications

The current study suggests that to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in realizing their intimate citizenship, multilayered policy efforts are needed, requiring changes in the four root causes.

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Funding

This work was supported by Keren Shalem Foundation (Grant104).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare Head, Center for Disability Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91905, Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Israel

    Roni Holler & Chen Bondorevsky-Heyman

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  1. Roni Holler
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  2. Chen Bondorevsky-Heyman
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation and data collection were performed by Chen Bondorevsky-Heyman. Data analysis and the first draft of the manuscript was written by both authors. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Roni Holler.

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Holler, R., Bondorevsky-Heyman, C. The Dynamics of Intimate Relations in Residential Settings for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Social Workers’ Perspective. Sex Res Soc Policy 21, 422–435 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-023-00833-z

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