The Importance of Romantic Love to People with Learning Disabilities

A hermeneutic phenomenological study, guided by the theory of Van Manen(Researching lived experience, New York, The State University of New York Press,1990) was conducted using interviews with eleven people with learning disabilities examining the importance of romantic love. The analysis revealed that love was very important to them, specifically the companionship and support a loving partner provided. The physical expression of love by a partner was also valued highly, especially kissing and cuddling. Most participants had experienced some form of abuse, but it appeared that the love of a partner was reparative and they were able to form satisfying relationships. Participants’ narratives highlighted the central role staff play in supporting them to fulfil their romantic needs. The romantic relationship needs of people with learning disabilities were examined in relation to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The hierarchy was revised to reflect the value of having a loving relationship to people with learning disabilities and to identify the support they required to facilitate and maintain this.

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