Research shows that young adults with intellectual disabilities struggle to understand the social codes embedded in sexual situations. This may lead to an incomprehension of sexual consent, or when consenting to sex may lead to abuse. This qualitative study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of sexual experiences and perceptions about sexual consent among Swedish young adults with intellectual disabilities. The data comprise 22 semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 18-35 with intellectual disabilities, thematically analyzed using sexual script theory as a theoretical framework. Four themes emerged from the analysis: Setting the sexual scene, Sexual self-awareness, Sexual communication and the necessity of clarification and Striving for a balance. The results show that the participants had a variety of sexual experiences and challenges associated with sexual consent, but also an agency that favors sexual situations. Further research is necessary to understand the complexities of sexual consent in this population.

Self-reported victimization among young women in the Swedish Crime Survey increased during the early- to mid-2010s, resulting in a gender gap, with young women reporting 10% to 15% higher victimization rates than young men. In this study, we use multi-group confirmatory factor analysis to assess whether the increase in victimization rates is due to declines in measurement equivalence across different cohorts of young women during the period 2009 to 2016. The results show cohort differences in how young women interpret the victimization items in the Swedish Crime Survey, especially with regard to the item about sexual victimization. The results show that the increasing victimization rates are likely the result of changes in perceptions about sexual offences, rather than an actual increase.

Sex education geared towards people with intellectual disability often focuses sexual risks and reproduction. However, research shows that students at special schools often find this inadequate and irrelevant. This conceptual article examines this issue from a crip theoretical perspective, combined with the classical concept of stigma. Furthermore, the term killjoy is added to the analysis; a term located at the intersection between queer and feminist theories. Might those in the environment surrounding individuals with ID, i.e., staff and family members, function as "killjoys" in relation to sexuality and intellectual disability? Or might they develop into "thrilljoys", i.e., individuals who facilitate the embracement of stigma, with a focus on enjoyment rather than apparent problems in relation to sexuality and people with ID? The aim of this article is to highlight the significance of the social environment for these young people's needs and life conditions, and to challenge presumptions that have to date been taken f & ouml;r granted. The result shows that assuming the role of thrilljoy means listening in a flexible and relevant way to the wishes that people with ID themselves express. This might in turn also make it easier for people with ID to themselves adopt a crip theoretical perspective and to really embrace that which has up until now been defined as a stigma. Developing new ways of looking at non-normative intellectual functionality and sexuality could contribute to develop sex education geared towards this goal group in a sufficient way.

This study explores experiences of and refections on sexual harassment in academiaamong students and doctoral students from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, and Sweden. Prevalence studies show that sexual harassment is a common occurrence andhas negative consequences not only on mental health in general but also on academic performance. However, little is known about what kinds of support and prevention are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to develop in-depthknowledge about students’ and doctoral students’ refections on how victims of sexual harassment in academia should be supported, and how sexual harassment in academia could be prevented. To achieve this aim, 54 individual interviews, and 6 focusgroup interviews with 18 participants, were conducted between 2020 and 2022 witha total of 72 participants at the bachelors, masters, doctoral level or state exam level.Based on a thematic analysis three themes emerged: (a) Information on sexual harassment, (b) Prerequisites for reporting and intervening, and (c) Support as a preventive activity. The results show an urgent need for information, since this is perceivedas lacking by students and doctoral students, and suggested strategies for information provision are presented. Further, there are challenges related to reporting, andignorance about how to intervene when sexual harassment is witnessed. Professionalsupport is described as important, along with support from peers, mentors, family,and friends. These fndings are relevant for researchers and for clinicians at university student health centres, to develop relevant preventive and supportive interventions in the context of academia.

This qualitative study explores experiences of intimacy and sexuality during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic of 3357 participants from Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and Turkey. Data were collected through open-ended questions within a survey on sexuality during the pandemic. Based on a reflexive thematic analysis three themes occurred. The first theme No change was described by 41% when summarizing their sex life during the pandemic. The second theme Positive change was experienced by 25%, and the third theme Negative change by 21%. An overarching theme then emerged as: "Still the same trajectories, but the pandemic could be a catalyst for improved or worsened sex- life." For those intimate partnered individuals who already had problems with intimacy and sexuality before the COVID-19 pandemic it seemed to remain the same or deteriorated throughout the pandemic. For those with positive experiences of intimacy and sexuality before the COVID-19 pandemic it remained the same or improved throughout the pandemic. These findings are relevant for researchers and clinicians in developing preventive and supportive interventions in the context of crisis and social isolation.

Every year, Riksbankens jubileumsfond (RJ) publishes an essay collection on a current topic. Its aim is to provide a snapshot of the breadth and quality of contemporary research in the humanities and social sciences. In 2023 seven researchers have contributed texts on the theme of THE DEADLY SINS IN OUR TIME, presented as individually bound essays in a box set. This chapter - Lust, from fornication to dating apps - gives a broad picture of sexuality within a historical and cultural conctext and discusses wheter sexuality and desire is a deadly sin todat or not.

Introduction

Experiences of sexual harassment are common among university students. At the same time, research shows that victims and bystanders find it difficult to determine when an incident meets the criteria for sexual harassment. The aim of this study therefore was to obtain a richer and deeper understanding of the obstacles that university students encounter in identifying sexual harassment in the academic environment.

Methods

Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 85 students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level in five European countries (Belgium, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden) between 2020 and 2022. Thematic analysis was used to identify obstacles in identifying sexual harassment.

Results

The obstacles described by participants were found to fall into three main categories: (1) preconceived notions about what constitutes sexual harassment that did not necessarily concur with lived experiences, (2) navigating an often blurred or ambiguous line between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and (3) the existence of competing interpretations of what had happened.

Conclusions

The results point to a gap between the participants’ lived experiences and their interpretations of them, which include difficulties positioning their experiences within their theoretical understanding of sexual harassment.

Policy Implications

Measures to counteract the obstacles faced by victims and bystanders in identifying sexual harassment in academia should target this cognitive gap, for instance by addressing the stereotypes that characterize preconceived notions about sexual harassment.

Immigrant women in Sweden often have unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. Successful contraceptive counselling may improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The unique Swedish model, with midwives as the main providers of contraceptive counselling, is important for immigrant women's health at both individual and societal levels. This study explored immigrant women's perspectives on receiving contraceptive counselling from midwives in Sweden, in order to obtain deeper knowledge about the factors they perceive as important in the counselling situation. Nineteen in-depth individual interviews were conducted from December 2018 to February 2019, followed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. Trust emerged as the overall important factor in the contraceptive counselling meeting. Knowledge was lacking about the midwife's professional role as a contraceptive counsellor. Contraceptive counselling was seen as a private matter not easily shared with unfamiliar midwives or interpreters. Previous experiences of contraceptives and preconceptions were important considerations for contraceptive choice, but communicating these needs required trust. Women also wanted more knowledge about contraceptives and SRH care and rights. Cultural and social norms concerning when and why to use contraceptives needed to be acknowledged in the midwife encounter. Although immigrant women want more knowledge about contraception, a trustful relationship with the midwife is needed to be able to make informed contraceptive choices. Midwives may need increased awareness of the many factors influencing immigrant women's choices to ensure their contraceptive autonomy. Policy changes that promote new ways of counselling and ability to provide continuous care are needed.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, different restrictive measures in terms of physical distancing and lockdowns have been introduced in most European countries, affecting all facets of social life. Currently, little is known about how partnered individuals perceive changes in their sexual life during this complex emergency. This study explored retrospectively assessed changes in sexual interest for one's partner and levels of distress related to perceived sexual interest discrepancy during the first phase of the pandemic in a large-scale online sample of partnered individuals (n = 4813; M-age = 38.5 years, SD = 10.74) recruited between May and July 2020 in seven European Union countries and Turkey. We also examined the possible role of approach/avoidance motives for sex in reported changes in sexual interest and associated distress. Most participants (53%) reported no change in their sexual interest during the pandemic, followed by those who reported an increase (28.5%). The pattern was similar across the eight countries. Distress about discrepant sexual interest, which was only weakly related to changes in sexual interest, was significantly associated with relationship quality and emotional closeness with a partner, coping with and worrying about the pandemic, and specific motivation for sex. In contrast to avoidant and relationship-focused approach motivation, ego-focused approach motivation was related to stable sexual interest during the pandemic. The current study contributes to the understanding of the link between sexual interest and complex emergencies. Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the reported experiences and perceptions are prone to change.

The aim of this report is to provide in-depth knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights among young adults with intellectual disabilities. The report is based on a qualitative study performed in 2018 in Malmö, Sweden. A total of 19 interviews with teenagers and young adults between 16 and 31 years old attending schools for persons with learning disabilities were performed, including 9 men and 10 women. The interviewees had minor or moderate intellectual disabilities and their verbal and communicative skills were relatively good, although these varied within the group. Of the 19 interviewees, 15 had one or two parents born in another country than Sweden.

Results in brief:

• The majority of the interviewees were satisfied with their general and sexual health.
• Most of the interviewees said that they are free to choose a partner on their own, while a few declared that their parents and relatives had opinions about or chose a partner for them.
• Experiences of genital mutilation exist among a few of the female interviewees, the genital mutilation were undertaken in their previous home countries. None of the male interviewees have experienced circumcision.
• Some of the interviewees had experiences of kissing, hugging, petting and intercourse, while others had not had any sexual experiences with a partner.
• Some of the interviewees had had relationships. These relationships did not always include sexual acts with a partner.
• Most of the interviewees had had sexual education in school, but the education was perceived as insufficient or irrelevant. Some of the interviewees lacked basic sexual knowledge.
• The internet is used to search for sex-related information and to stay in touch with friends, to find partners or to use pornography.
• Experiences of non- consensual sex such as sexual harassment, sexual violations and rape were reported exist among the interviewees. Moreover, there were experiences of having been tricked online and of having been harrassed or violated among the interviewees.

Ways forward

Young people with intellectual disabilities need sexual education adjusted to their needs and preconditions. There is also a need for strengthened work regarding the prevention of sexual harassment and violations, both online and offline. Moreover, further research is needed on intellectual disability in relation to sexuality and honor related contexts, in order to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights among young people with intellectual disability.

Även om forskning om ungdomar och internet är ett växande område finns det relativt få studier som illustrerar förhållanden för ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning. Tidigare studier har visat att ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning är oroliga för att bli marginaliserade, och att många upplever sig mer ensamma än andra ungdomar. Därför kan sociala nätverkssajter på internet vara av avgörande betydelse för att skapa ett utrymme för nya sociala kontakter men även för utforskande av alternativa och mindre stigmatiserade identiteter. Projektet syftade till att beskriva och analysera hur ungdomar (16-20 år) med lindrig intellektuell funktionsnedsättning interagerar och deltar på internet. Närmare bestämt har vi utifrån elev-, personal- och föräldraperspektiv studerat de ungas självpresentationer, sociala relationer och delaktighet inom ramen för olika gemenskaper på internet. Projektets mål var att generera kunskap om dessa komplexa processer, som kan vara användbara för hur den närmaste omgivningen av vuxna kan stödja och hjälpa unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning med sin internetanvändning. Projektet omfattade kvalitativa intervjuer med ungdomar med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (n=27), föräldrar till ungdomar med intellektuell funktions-nedsättning (n=22) och personal i gymnasiesärskolan (n=17). De transkriberade intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys (Braun & Clarke 2006). Projektet har erhållit etiskt godkännande från Regionala etikprövnings-nämnden i Göteborg (Dnr 048-15). Ett framträdande resultat i studien rör de unga informanternas sätt att tala om sin medvetenhet om både risker och möjligheter med internet och sociala medier. Dock noterades att ju mer de interagerade med icke-funktionshindrade kamrater, desto mer upplevde de negativa och oönskade konsekvenser av internet-användningen (att bli lurad, hotad, mobbad etc). En slutsats var att dessa omständigheter snarare leder till att de växlade ner sitt internetanvändande och som i sin förlängning innebar mindre delaktighet på internet och sociala medier. Även om Internet kan vara en "frizon" där den unga personen kan utveckla sociala band och konstruera sin identitet fri från vuxenövervakning, så är föräldrar och yrkesverksamma ofta mycket närvarande och engagerade, medan ungdomarna uttrycker att de inte är i behov av stöd. Professionella och föräldrar anser att internet är en arena för positiva möjligheter men även risker. Professionella verkade vara mer oroliga för riskerna än föräldrarna som säger att möjligheterna uppväger nackdelarna. Föräldrarna är mest bekymrade över risken för ensamhet och social isolering. Sammantaget beskrivs de unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning som en mer heterogen grupp av både föräldrar och personal jämfört med tidigare forskning. Informanternas erfarenheter diskuteras i studiens publikationer i begreppsliga ramverk som rör social identitet, deltagande, positivt risktagande, sexualitet och frigörelse. I en jämförande analys av resultaten från de olika delstudierna visas hur den sociala delaktigheten på ett dialektiskt sätt förhandlas och konstrueras mellan ungdomar med och utan intellektuell funktionsnedsättning men också mellan de unga i studien och vuxna personer i den närmaste omgivningen. Genom att anlägga ett intersektionellt perspektiv på frågor om identitetsskapande aktiviteter och risktagande på internet kan en mer relationell förståelse av den digitala delaktighetens problem och möjligheter synliggöras. En relationell förståelse av att hamna i svårigheter implicerar att risk och utsatthet inte alltid behöver bero på funktionsnedsättningen utan på kontextuella förutsättningar och andra sam-varierande faktorer. Med tanke på unga människors behov av självständighet är det av stor vikt att vuxna reflekterar över och balanserar stödet beroende på den unga människans behov. Att ge stöd till positivt risktagande på internet innebär vuxna tillsammans med unga reflekterar över hur eventuella risker kan hanteras snarare än hur risk kan undvikas.

This study aimed to explore how sex education in special schools in Sweden is influenced and challenged by the multicultural aspects of modern society. In particular, it sought to explore professionalls' experiences of sex education and of honour-related experiences among young people with intellectual disabilities. Data from five individual interviews and one focus groups with four professionals were thematically analysed using sexual scripts as a theoretical framework. The results reveal an ambivalent honour-related script geared toward pupils with intellectual disabilities from cultural backgrounds differing from those of the Swedish mainstream. The provision of sex education, including information about honour-related experiences, is especially important because of these young people’s vulnerability; however, addressing the subject effectively is sensitive and complicated. Colleagues with different cultural backgrounds can act as ‘culture bridges’ for professionals who lack strategies, methods and materials. Increasing professionals’ prerequisite qualifications (e.g. further education, supervision) and adopting autonomy-promoted conduct can empower pupils with intellectual disability to exercise autonomy over their sexuality outside their immediate cultural context.

Trots att forskning kring ungdomars delaktighetoch relationer på internet är ett växande område är det få studier som belyser särskoleungdomars förutsättningar. Ungdomar med intellektuella funktionsnedsättningar har ofta olika grad av språkliga och kommunikativa begränsningar som å ena sidan gör att värdet av nya sociala arenor kan vara stort, å andra sidan kan göra internetanvändande problematiskt i olika sammanhang. I den här artikeln tittar vi närmare på möjligheter och risker i relation till internet som uppmärksammas av ungdomar, föräldrar och professionella, samt reflekterar över hur ett visst mått av risktagande kan leda till positiva erfarenheter och positiv utveckling, så kallat"positivt risktagande".

This study aims to provide more in-depth knowledge about professionals’ views regarding Internet use among youths with intellectual disability (ID). How do the professionals describe the abilities of the youths with ID when using the Internet for social, romantic, and sexual reasons? What kinds of experiences do the professionals have of these youths’ Internet usage, and how do they talk about their ways of dealing with this? In what ways do the professionals describe their own competence regarding Internet usage among youths with ID aged 16-21 years, and do they express the need for any specific tools? Qualitative research interviews were conducted with 17 professionals, 4 males and 13 females, between the ages of 29 and 58. The professionals described challenges with the youths’ various emotional and intellectual abilities, as well as their technical knowledge in relation to Internet use. The results highlight three themes: A two-fold usage, Between being controlling and permissive, and A lack of strategies. The article discusses the development of a ‘Participation-script’, where a continuous dialogue with the youths with ID exists parallel to a restrictive Net-script. We argue that everyday school situations concern joint decision-making between professionals and pupils with ID. Such an approach to participation is based on relationships, that is, oriented towards the self-understanding and individual agency of youths with ID, as well as to the self-understanding of the professionals involved in the lives of youths with ID.

Today’s multicultural society is characterized by contradictory sexual norms that may have consequences for youths with intellectual disabilities’ possibilities of choosing a partner and expressing their sexuality. However, the body of knowledge concerning the area of youths with intellectual disabilities is limited. This study aims to examine professionals’ views on honor-related experiences among youths with intellectual disabilities. The data consists of nine qualitative interviews with professionals in special schools (personal assistants and teachers). In addition, 11 professionals were included at pre-meetings while designing the study. A thematic analysis was conducted while using sexual script as a theoretical framework. The results are presented in the following themes: (1) The professionals’ perceptions of the young people’s abilities to deal with honor-related experiences; (2) The professionals’ opinions of the existence of honor-related experiences among youth with intellectual disabilities; and (3) Descriptions of the professionals’ conduct toward the youths with intellectual disabilities concerning honor-related experiences. The analysis shows an honor script geared towards youths with intellectual disabilities, which can be described as a continuum between care and control connected to cultural sexual norms and to the disability. The families’ strive for a so-called normality seem to be an important factor in understanding for example arranged marriages among youths with ID. To meet the needs of these youths, the professionals require tools to navigate between care and control in this complicated arena of contradictory sexual and cultural norms.

Utgångspunkten är en presentation av sex forskare, knutna till Centrum för sexologi och sexualitetsstudier, som berättar om sina respektive forskningsfält. Utställningen består också av en tidslinje med nedslag i den svenska sexualitetshistorien, ett tittskåp med kuriosa och en samling litteratur. I en brevlåda kan besökaren kommentera eller ställa frågor till forskarna, svaren projiceras på väggen. Två offentliga samtal arrangeras och filmas; Sex och makt och Tema erotisk litteratur. I samband med utställningen visas konstprojektet "Kyss" där prästen och konstnären Kent Wisti och författaren Maria Küchen i bild och text tolkat Höga visan.

In general, the Internet is an arena where parents (as well as other adults) have limited insight and possibilities to support the young person. However, several studies indicate that parents are one of the most important facilitators in the every-day life of young persons with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, the aim of the current article is to highlight parents’ perceptions and actions in relation to opportunities and barriers for these young people when using the Internet. The empirical material consists of interviews with 22 parents of intellectually challenged young people in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis, which is a method of identifying, analysing and reporting patterns within data sets. The results show that parents’ views are double-edged; on the one hand, they see great possibilities for their children, thanks to the Internet, but on the other hand, they are afraid that due to their disability, their children are more sensitive to different contents and interactions on the Internet. Furthermore, the results indicate that parents believe that the Internet can facilitate participation in social life, but that it precludes young people with intellectual disabilities from being part of society in general when it comes to community functions and services. This article will discuss barriers and support in relation to the individual and her or his support system, which brings into focus the parent’s responsibility and support for young people, helping them to surmount barriers – instead of avoiding or ignoring them – and find ways to take action to do so.

Although research on young people’s identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, there are few studies that illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with young people in upper secondary special programme for pupils with ID (n=27). The transcribed interviews were analysed with a qualitative approach, using a thematic content analysis. Findings: A prominent finding in the study concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. A conclusion was that these circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and as prolongation, less participation on Social Networking Sites. Applications: The experiences of the informants will be discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation and emancipation.

Cet article a pour objectif de décrire la sexologie en tant que profession. Les données sont issues d’entretiens qualitatifs menés auprès de 34 membres de l’Association suédoise de sexologie. L’analyse sociologique des processus de professionnalisation met en lumière les différents groupes qui ont pris place dans le paysage de la sexologie suédoise : les pionniers, les sexologues compétents, les entrepreneurs, les sexologues chercheurs et les non professionnels. Les personnes interrogées insistent sur la collaboration et le respect qui existent entre les différents courants, excepté à l’égard de ceux qui ne sont pas considérés comme suffisamment compétents. Les critères qui peuvent servir à déterminer ceux qui peuvent utiliser le titre de sexologue ne sont pas fixés, pas plus que n’est abouti le processus selon lequel la sexologie s’est constituée comme profession.

This article aims to describe sexologist as a profession. Data was collected through qualitative research interviews with 34 members of the Swedish Association for Sexology. By using a sociological perspective on the professionalization process, different groups have emerged in the sexological landscape: pioneers, competence sexologists, entrepreneurs, research sexologists and the non-professionals. The informants emphasize collaboration and respect between the different domains, with the exception of those who are not considered sufficiently competent. The criteria for who gets to use the title are ongoing, just as the process of sexologist as a profession. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Introduction & Objectives: This study examines the views of parentsand professionals on internet use for sexual purposes among youngpeople with intellectual disabilities (18–20 yrs.). Although media atten-tion focuses heavily on the risk of deception on the Internet and on easyaccess to pornography, the main concern is articulated in relation tovulnerable groups’ usage. While people with intellectual disabilitiesrequire support by their surroundings, we need to know more abouttheir views on internet usage.Methods: Five semi-structured focus group interviews were con-ducted with professionals (n = 8) working at special schools and withparents (n = 5). The interviews were analysed with thematic analysis,with the theory of sexual scripts guiding the process.Results: The internet is seen as a social arena with complex challengesfor (1) love and sexuality (2), sexual conduct, and (3) sexual risk andopportunities. Even though people with intellectual disabilities areregarded as more vulnerable than other youths, their parents view therisk of their adolescent being lonely as greater than the risk of thembeing abused or misled. Further, girls are viewed as more vulnerableand contact seeking on the internet than boys. Moreover, pornographysites are discussed only when it comes to the boys’ behaviour.Dating unknown persons is connected to the girls’ behaviour. A Net-script consisting of rules is geared towards the young people with anintellectual disability. However, a change to a more nuanced Net-script is shown while the group of youth with intellectual disabilities are seenas more heterogeneous than in earlier research.Conclusion: In-depth knowledge about parents’ and professionals’perspectives on the internet and sexuality is important as their attitudesand behaviour are essential for the young peoples’ access to supportand for opportunities to develop their own capacity and to experiencelove and sexuality.

This article reports experiences from a Swedish study, discussing teachers’ and parents’ views on how young people with intellectual disabilities use the Internet and social media. Five semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with teachers (n = 8) in special programmes in upper secondary schools for pupils with intellectual disabilities and parents (n = 5) of pupils in the same form of schooling, and they were analysed with thematic analysis. Teachers more strongly emphasize a pupil’s use of the Internet for interactive purposes. Parents had expectations that the Internet could be a tool for gaining more awareness of one’s own disability and a way to meet other peer group pupils. Teachers’ and parents’ perspectives on the Internet and social media usage are important since it is imperative to show how support can be provided for young people with intellectual disabilities.

This study aim to examine parents' and professionals' views on the usage of Internet for love and sexual purposes among young people with intellectual disabilities (18-20 yrs.) in Sweden. Five semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with professionals (n=8) working on special programmes in upper secondary schools and with parents (n=5). The interviews were analysed with thematic analysis and the theory of sexual scripts were guiding the process. The results show that the Internet is seen as a social arena with complex challenges; for love and sexuality, for sexual conduct, and for sexual risk and opportunities. Young people with intellectual disabilities are looked upon as more vulnerable than other youth. However, the result also show that parents view the risk of their adolescent of being lonely as greater than the risk of being abused or mislead. A Net-script consisting of rules is geared towards the young people with intellectual disability. Nevertheless, a change to a more flexible and nuanced Net-script is shown while the group of young persons with intellectual disabilities are seen as more heterogeneous than earlier. In-depth knowledge about parents' and professionals' perspectives on the Internet and sexuality is important since the young people live in a dependency situation towards their surroundings. In addition, the surroundings' attitudes and behaviour are essential for the young peoples' access of support and opportunities to develop their own capacity and to experience love and sexuality.

Rapporten presenterar en intervjustudie om sexuell hälsa bland unga, som har genomförts på två av SiS särskilda ungdomshem. Studien baseras på 20 intervjuer med nio flickor och elva pojkar i åldrarna 15–20 år. Ett särskilt fokus läggs på ungdomarnas egna erfarenheter, attityder och kunskaper. Ungdomarna beskriver sexualiteten främst som en möjlighet att få något positivt, såsom närhet, njutning och bekräftelse, medan risken att drabbas av sexuellt överförbara sjukdomar, sexuella övergrepp eller oönskade graviditeter tonas ner. Ungdomarna tycks navigera i det sexuella landskapet med hjälp av olika strategier: bagatellisering av sexuella risker, bedömningar av sexuella risksituationer baserat på partnerns utseende och rykte, känslomässigt distanserande, senareläggande av tidpunkten för den sexuella debuten då denna varit ett övergrepp samt kompensatoriska handlingar. Kanske är det just trygghetslängtan och bilden av kompensatoriska strategier i avsikt att söka sig till närhet och intimitet, som är den viktigaste pusselbiten i förståelsen av de ungas utsagor om sexuellt agerande. ISBN 978-91-87053-20-7 ”Det är värt risken” Unga inom SiS och sexuell hälsa Lotta

This article examines the value of using Crip Theory by investigating what is considered normal sex life for people with intellectual disabilities in Sweden. By combining Crip Theory with Gagnon and Simon’s sexual scripting theory, it concludes that Crip Theory can be of use for researchers and activists, and also suitable for educating staff members, in that it questions sexual norms that are most often taken for granted. However, due to the fact that research or activism inspired by Crip Theory seldom includes intellectual disabilities, its usefulness is limited, and more work is needed to solve problems surrounding agency, stigma and visibility.

Previously published as Löfgren-Mårtenson, L. & Månsson, S-A. (2010). Lust, Love, and Life: A Qualitative Study of Swedish Adolescents’ Perceptions and Experiences with Pornography, Journal of Sex Research, 47 (6), pp. 568-579.

Many, although not all, juvenile detainees are known to be sexual risk-takers but little attention has been paid to why they engage in early sexual intercourse, have more partners, often have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and without protection. To understand the rationale behind sexual risk-taking among detained adolescents. Qualitative study of interviews with nine girls and 11 boys, aged 15 to 20 years, at detention centres in southern Sweden. Two major categories surface in the analysis of the interviews: contradictions and vulnerability. A core category, chance outdoes risk that describes the adolescents' pragmatic view on sexual risk-taking as being a chance of something good rather than a risk of something bad, captures the connection between these categories and the individual. Among our interviewees, sexual chance taking appears rewarding. Recognising this rationality is valuable for all professionals promoting sexual health within similar groups of youths.

Sexualitet är ett laddat och mångfacetterat begrepp, som de flesta har egna upplevelser att knyta an till. Men det är också ett föränderligt fenomen, utifrån ett historiskt, kulturellt och samhälleligt perspektiv. I den här boken redogörs för en socialkonstruktivistisk syn på sexualitet, och dessutom granskas och diskuteras olika sätt att förstå och analysera begreppet.

Även om Sverige har en lång tradition av obligatorisk sexualundervisning tycks den fortfarande vara bristfällig inom särskolan. Artikeln utgår från en unik studie, där särskoleelevers egna erfarenheter fokuseras.Resultaten visar att flera är osäkra på om de haft sexualkunskap överhuvudtaget och att fokus är på heterosexualitet, sexuella risker och prevention. Därför är det angeläget att personal inom skola och LSS-verksamheter bidrar till flerfacetterade perspektiv på sexualitet, och till att de unga utvecklar förmågor och strategier för att i större utsträckning kunna ta ansvar för sin egen sexualitet

Purpose: To describe sexual health risks in an understudied group, youth in detention, and compare these to sexual health risks among non-detained youth. In addition, variables predicting adverse sexual health outcomes are sought and compared. Methods: In 2009, a self-administered questionnaire on sexuality was conducted amongst youth in Sweden. In 2010, the same Internet-based questionnaire was applied in a study at Swedish detention centres. In this article, sexually active youth aged 15–20 years in the two groups are compared and bivariate logistic regression analyses are conducted in order to find predictors of adverse sexual health outcomes, among detainees and non-detainees respectively. Results: Major differences between the detained and the non-detained concerning a majority of risk-taking variables exist. Conclusions: Although detained youth display several risky sexual behaviors, no specific risk factors are found in a logistic regression analysis. However, this is a vulnerable group. The mere fact that an adolescent is placed at a detention centre should be an imperative for professionals to address the subject of sexual health and safer sex. Furthermore, the results will be used in a forthcoming sex education curriculum tailored especially at detained youth. This is one, but by far not the only way to minimize the health inequalities that are presented in this study.

This study is part of a larger research project that explore the evolution of sexology profession in Sweden, and additionally compare some of these trends with other European sexologists. More specific, this study aims to get in-depth knowledge of Swedish sexologist’s own descriptions of themselves and their profession. Data was collected through qualitative research interviews with 34 professionally active sexologists and members of The Swedish Association for Sexology, [SFS], 26 women and 8 men, aged 34–88 years. Results show that the informants can be divided into medical and therapeutical sexologists, all of whom identify strongly with their primary profession prior to becoming sexologists. Physician as sexologist has given way to healthcare professionals such as social workers and nurses, whereby sexology has been transformed into a female-dominated field in Sweden as well as in other European countries. This paradigm shift has has created tensions between different approaches. Based on varying skills and educational backgrounds, different groups of sexologists have emerged: pioneers, competence sexologists, entrepreneurs, research sexologists and the non-professionals. Competition is not experienced toward others within the interdisciplinary realm of sexology, but rather between those who have professional authority and those non-professionals who strive for legitimacy in the field.

This article examines the value of using Crip Theory by investigating what is considered normal sexl life for people with intellectual disabilities in Sweden. By combining Crip Theory with Gagnon and Simon's sexual scripting theory, it concludes that Crip Theory can be of use for researchers and activists, and also suitable for educating staff members, in that it questions sexual norms that are most often taken for granted. However, due to the fact that research of activism inspired by Crip Theory seldom includes intellectual disabilities, its usefulness is limited, and more work is needed to solve problems surrounding agency, stigma and visibility.

In Sweden sex education has been compulsory since 1955. However, access to sex education seems to be insufficient in schools with special education programs. Concerns about unwanted pregnancies, sexual abuse and sexual risk situations make personnel insecure about how to best deal with the subject. A largely heteronormative perspective of sex education renders young gay people with ID an invisible group. Stereotyped gender norms where girls are supposed to be oriented towards love and relationships and boys towards sexuality make it more difficult for young people with ID to find a more subtle way to act. The aim of this study is to strengthen sexual health among young people with ID, and to develop a knowledge base culled from their own experiences that can help teachers in special schools to supply sufficient sex education. What are the experiences of sex education in young people with ID aged 16–21? In what way, and by whom, should sex education be supplied? What themes do the young people with ID consider important? Qualitative research interviews with 16 young females (9) and males (7) with ID aged 16–21 years have been conducted. Guiding the analyses is an interactionist perspective on sexuality. Results show that a restrictive script is geared toward informants with ID, focusing on sexual risks instead of challenging a discourse of pleasure, desire and intimacy. The study also shows that using critical pedagogy can help personnel develop a professional and adequate teaching model for sex education at schools for adolescents with ID.

Tvångsomhändertagna ungdomar är riskutsatta på många områden. Denna artikel fokuserar specifikt ungdomar på statliga ungdomshem. Vi redogör för hur ett urval av dessa unga har svarat i en enkätundersökning rörande sexuell hälsa samt hur deras svar på flera väsentliga punkter skiljer sig från övriga unga. Forskningsresultatet som är det första i sitt slag i Sverige stämmer väl överens med tidigare forskning som visar på samband mellan flera olika riskfaktorer eller riskbeteenden varav sexuellt risktagande är ett. Tillika ger det viktig kunskap att använda vid utformandet av en målgruppsanpassad modell för sex- och samlevnadsundervisning.