Psychological Characteristics of Men with an Intellectual Disability who Display Problematic Sexual Behaviour

Volunteers Wanted

Kathryn Vanny, a PhD Candidate from the Centre for Behavioural Sciences, is investigating the psychological characteristics of men with an intellectual disability (ID) who display problematic sexual behaviour (PSB).

The present study is recruiting adult males aged 18 years and above who have an intellectual disability who may or may not display problematic sexual behaviour. If you work with people who have an intellectual disability, or care for an adult man with an intellectual disability, we would appreciate your support.

Problematic sexual behaviour is sexual activity of an individual that causes problems for them and others in their environment. This may include sexual behaviour that involves non-consenting partners, or sexual behaviour that is public or intrusive. The aim of the study is to compare men with an intellectual disability who have problematic sexual behaviour, with men of about the same age with ID who do not have PSB, on the variables of empathy and theory of the mind. Empathy refers to the ability to identify and understand the emotions and feelings of others. Theory of the mind refers to the ability to understand and reason about other people.

The benefit for the participant is that they receive a comprehensive psychological assessment, which may be of assistance to the individual or their caregivers.

Participants will be involved in an interview with puzzles, questionnaires and activities.

The results of the assessment can be released to service providers, provided the participant or guardian gives appropriate informed consent. Apart from that, all the information given to us will be treated confidentially. No information will be handed on to anyone else, except with written consent of the participant or their guardian. The participant will not be identified in any way in the report about this project. This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Sydney, Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Ethics Committee, and the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Victorian Department of Human Services.

If you are interested please contact Kathryn Vanny on (02) 9351-2776 or email: kvanny@bsim.usyd.edu.au