Review
Friendships and Intimate Relationships among People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Thematic Synthesis
Casey Fulford,
Virginie Cobigo,
Casey Fulford
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Virginie Cobigo
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Correspondence
Any correspondence should be directed to Virginie Cobigo, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada (e-mail: [email protected]).
Search for more papers by this authorCasey Fulford,
Virginie Cobigo,
Casey Fulford
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Virginie Cobigo
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Correspondence
Any correspondence should be directed to Virginie Cobigo, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada (e-mail: [email protected]).
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Background
The purpose of this thematic synthesis was to review qualitative studies on perspectives of persons with intellectual disabilities regarding friendships and intimate relationships.
Materials and methods
A literature search was conducted, including studies published between 2004 and 2014, involving participants 14 years of age or older, who had intellectual disabilities, and participated in focus groups or interviews.
Results
Eighteen studies were included. Three master themes were identified: (i) How do I know someone is my friend? (ii) How do I know someone is my boyfriend or girlfriend? and (iii) What helps and hinders relationships?
Conclusions
Understanding how people with intellectual disabilities describe relationships, and being aware of factors that support and impede relationships, will aid stakeholders in developing training, policies, programmes and services. Knowledge translation of research that focuses on strategies aimed at supporting relationships is crucial to affect change in applied settings and improve quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities.
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