Author: Judith Darragh
Darragh, Judith, 2019 Relationships in cyberspace: experiences of adults living with intellectual disability, accessing internet-based social media to explore sexuality and develop relationships., Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
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Abstract
Introduction: The sexual activities of individuals living with intellectual disability are often more restricted than those of the general population. There has been a paucity of research that has explored the experiences of individuals living with intellectual disability direct from their own voices, about their social and sexual relationships accessing internet-based social media. The purpose of this study was to explore if individuals living with intellectual disability were accessing internet-based social media to facilitate and participate in meaningful intimate relationships and sexual activities online.
Method: Data were gathered from 30 individuals living with intellectual disability in South Australia, using one-on-one, in-depth, semi-guided interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed entirely by the researcher, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Individuals were accessing internet-based social media to make friends, communicate with people and plan to meet, engage in groups, research hobbies and interests, and play music and games, not to engage in sexual activities. Seven main themes were identified: ‘Making new friends and maintaining existing friendships’, ‘Engaging in hobbies/interests and pastimes’, ‘Exploring and expressing intimacy’, ‘Engaging in sexual behaviours’, ‘Opinions about other people who access internet-based social media to look at sexy pictures’, ‘Assessing and managing risks’, and ‘Barriers to accessing internet-based social media’. Systems theory provided the theoretical framework for this study.
Conclusions: The study provides an insight into the lived experience of individuals living with intellectual disability accessing internet-based social media and the influence that systems had on what they could or could not do. This study found that systems still play a significant role in the lives of people living with intellectual disability. Future research is required to explore the impact that gatekeepers and systems have on choices and decisions that individuals living with intellectual disability have the right to make.
Keywords: intellectual disability, sexual relationships, gatekeeping, internet based social media, Facebook
Subject: Disability Studies thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2019
School: College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Supervisor: Assoc Prof Caroline Ellison