A Qualitative Analysis Exploring the Development of Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Adolescent Males with Developmental Disabilities.
Abstract
Adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) experience regular physical and
sexual development. Some adolescents with developmental disabilities engage in
problematic sexual behaviors (PSB). In order to be able to address the needs of this
population in terms of prevention of PSB, and provision of effective treatment after PSB
has begun, their experience must be understood and factors contributing to risk identified.
With this in mind, this study was designed to being the exploration of the experiences of
adolescents with DD who have engaged in sexually problematic behaviors, including
compulsive or addictive patterns of behavior, and to identify contributing factors for
engaging in these behaviors. A grounded theory approach with a directed analysis
component was used. Eleven participants were interviewed including five persons with
developmental disabilities (PWDD) and six parents regarding the experiences of seven
individuals with DD who engaged in PSB. Results indicated that the presence of a DD
increased the complexity of this experience. A model was created to explain the overall
process of engaging in PSB as requiring exposure, motivation, opportunity, and deficits
in sexual education. In addition, nine factors were identified that may be contributing
factors that increase the risk of an individual with DD engaging in PSB. These results
may be of value for parents of children with DD, service providers, and educators.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
problematic sexual behavior, adolescents, developmental disability, treatment
Citation
Watters, M. J. (2018). A Qualitative Analysis Exploring the Development of Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Adolescent Males with Developmental Disabilities. All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 6981.