Sexuality of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Proposal to use the Positive Sexuality Model

The aim of this research was to determine the trends in the field of analyzing positive aspects of sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). In relation to these findings, the possibilities of applying the model of positive sexuality were presented. A literature search covering studies published between 1980 and 2020 was conducted. 19 studies were included. Researchers focus on partnerships, mainly heterosexual ones, associated experiences, plans and ideas. The results show that people with ID are able to report on experiences accompanying relationships and their depiction is relatively rich. People who do not have such experiences expect them in the future, treating them as a very important aspect of life. Referring to the model of positive sexuality, the areas of research in the population of people with intellectual disability were specified, and the theoretical justification of the model, general methodological aspects and practical usefulness were provided.