Abstract:
A multi-method study design involving three different phases was used to develop four social stories that could
be used as part of a sexuality and relationship training program for women with intellectual disabilities. Phase 1
entailed a systematic review of the literature and results indicate that social stories provide a suitable
methodology for teaching socially desirable responses related to sexuality and relationships. Phase 2 entailed a
focus group with women with intellectual disabilities and results showed that they wanted more information
about different types of relationships, including romantic relationships. They also wanted to understand what
types of behaviour (e.g. different types of greetings) were appropriate for the different types of relationships.
Next, four social stories were written based on the results of these two phases. Finally, these four social stories
were implemented in Phase 3 with ten caregivers of women with intellectual disabilities in order to evaluate the
appropriateness of the stories. Results showed that three of the four social stories were appropriate, and that one
required re-writing as it was not appropriate for the specific context, as women at that facility did not have the
opportunity to go on dates. A suggestion was made that the story be re-written to reflect romantic relationships
as opposed to dating.
