A qualitative exploration of the views and experiences of men with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who participated in an adapted group therapy for harmful sexual behaviours.

Onyeama, Franca Chidera ORCID: 0009-0003-5863-732X (2025). A qualitative exploration of the views and experiences of men with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who participated in an adapted group therapy for harmful sexual behaviours. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Introduction
Research into treatment for men with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and harmful sexual behaviours (HASB) has grown, with adapted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions showing promise in reducing reoffending. The Sex Offender Treatment Services Collaborative – Intellectual Disabilities (SOTSEC-ID) is an adapted CBT group intervention currently being evaluated against treatment as usual in a cluster randomised control trial (HASB-IDD). Given the possible treatment implications of SOTSEC-ID, understanding participants’ experience may prove insightful as it could guide treatment development. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of men with IDD and HASB who participated in the SOSTEC-ID intervention.

Methods
A sample of participants was interviewed at various in-patient and/or community sites in the United Kingdom. The interviews sought to elicit participants’ overall impressions of the programme. Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was used to identify patterns within narratives and generate a breadth of themes capturing participants’ experience.

Results
Of the eleven men interviewed, ten interviews were analysed (one participant withdrew). Four superordinate themes, each with sub-themes, were developed: 1) motivators for participation; 2) concerns, fears, and emotional vulnerability; 3) empowerment and development of self-efficacy; and 4) navigating between social vs individual needs. Overall, participants described the intervention positively, valuing components such as group discussions, the content, and shared experiences with group members. Challenges included the emotional demands of self-disclosure and the intensity of some topics.

Discussion
The themes revealed the emotional and psychological engagement required in the group, the impact of social dynamics, and the empowering nature of the intervention. Insights gained have implications for tailoring future programmes and guiding continued research in this field.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):