Relating Staff Attitudes to the Development of a Comprehensive Sexual Policy for the Institutionalized Residents with Mental Retardation.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine, through the use of a survey, staff attitudes and opinions toward the sexual behavior of persons with mental retardation. This attitudinal survey was utilized as part of a planned change approach to develop an institutional policy on sexuality. The research instrument used in this study was a closed-ended questionnaire administered to staff groups at a state institution for the developmentally disabled who had direct contact with the residents. In addition, the members of the instructional and ancillary staff from the local public school system who served this same population also were surveyed. Analyses were conducted to identify (1) staff attitudes toward the sexual behavior of persons with mental retardation and (2) staff opinions about (a) what sexual behaviors do occur among residents, (b) what sexual behaviors are presently allowed (informal policy), and (c) what sexual behaviors should be permitted by formal policy. Of those surveyed, one-third reported that all sexual behaviors listed in the survey instrument occurred among residents, including heterosexual intercourse and homosexual behavior in public. However, only masturbation in private and brief kissing both in private and public were viewed by the majority of respondents as permitted by staff. Respondent opinions regarding what private sexual behaviors should be permitted by policy were more permissive than their perceptions of what is currently allowed. In contrast, respondent opinions as to what public sexual behaviors should be permitted by policy were less permissive than the current informal policy. A consistent theme throughout was respondents' willingness to allow private as opposed to public sexual behaviors. While the percentage of endorsements declined as the behavioral item reflected greater interpersonal involvement and increased sexual arousal, a greater percentage of respondents recommended that the behavior be allowed in private as a matter of policy but not in public. This discrepancy varied from a 75 percent difference for public and private masturbation to a 14 percent difference for brief kissing in public and private. Two private sexual behaviors that staff had the greatest difference of opinion on were heterosexual intercourse and homosexual behavior. Policy position for these two behaviors should, therefore, be clearly delineated. In addition, training must reinforce policy positions by preparing staff members to carry out the policy's intent.