Abstract

Sexuality is an integral part of adults’ life. In the past, ignorance and fear by others have prevented persons with mental retardation (MR) from fully participation as members of society. Attitudes of parents, caregivers and teachers to the sexual expression of individuals with mental retardation are important factors in designing comprehensive programs. The aim of this investigation is to study the attitudes of sexuality in individuals with mental retardation from perspectives of their parents and teachers. This is a descriptive-survey study. A questionnaire was designed with analytical-comparative review of literature and theoretical fundamentals for the study of teachers and parents viewpoints regarding mental retarded sexual problems and their suggestions. After pilot study using convenient sampling method 50 teachers and 48 parents were examined. According to the data analysis, teachers and parents’ perspectives and their suggestions were: emphasis on sexual education, energy discharges on adolescent through sport and other physical abilities, emphasis on genetic consultation before marriage, emphasis on life skills education, emphasis on ability of mental retarded perception of sexual needs and love assertion, and perception of relation with confidants and strangers.

Key words: Attitudes to sexuality, mental retardation, teachers and parents perspectives.