Sexual decision making for for people with learning disabilities.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Whose decision is it anyway? A qualitative exploration of sexual decision making for people with learning disabilities and their support network.
IRAS ID
315982
Contact name
Leanne Race
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 5 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the experiences of people with learning disabilities, and members of their support network, regarding sexual decision making. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is the proposed method of analysis, using a multi-perspective approach.
Whilst there have been advancements in the area of sexual education for people with learning disabilities, research continues to focus on the views of families/paid carers with regards to sex and sexuality, thus failing to explore the direct experiences of people with learning disabilities.
The study is split into two parts. Part one will require participants with learning disabilities to choose one member of their support network (family member, staff or carer) with which they can have a conversation focussing on sexual decision making. The conversation should last no longer than one hour. The primary researcher will round up the conversation at an appropriate time. This conversation will be video recorded by the primary researcher. After consulting with a panel of experts by experience, the primary researcher will remain in the room during this conversation in order to provide prompts where necessary.
Part two of the study will require participants to (separately) watch back sections of the video with the primary researcher. The sections will have been identified by the primary researcher and will provide an opportunity for reflection. The primary researcher will use semi structured questions to explore participants’ experiences of part one and of watching back the video. Part two will happen after a minimum of one day, or a maximum of 7 days after part one. This is to minimise any potential difficulties with recall.
Participants will be recruited via a community learning disability team (CLDT) in Bradford District Care NHS Trust (BDCT). The location will be chosen by the participants and should be a place where both feel comfortable and at ease. This may be a day service or other setting.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0163
Date of REC Opinion
24 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion