Why is This Research Important?
Research has shown that people with Down Syndrome are enthusiastic about relationships and social interactions. Yet, they may have difficulties maintaining healthy boundaries. Healthy boundaries are important to foster healthy relationships and protect against abuse. When healthcare providers, teachers and family discuss boundaries as part of sexuality education, it can help people with Down Syndrome build the skills and knowledge to form healthy and safe relationships. Sexuality education is often lacking for this population, however. This study intends to give healthcare professionals and educators information about using technology to support boundaries-related sexuality education for those with Down Syndrome.
The researchers in this study worked with six young adult females with Down Syndrome and their mothers to learn about how young adult females with Down Syndrome understand personal boundaries and if The Circles™ app can support young adult females with Down Syndrome develop knowledge and skills about personal boundaries. The app uses colorful graphics and gives individuals easy to use instructions about how to upload photos or create avatars to represent family and friends.
This research is important because it explores if an app can teach about boundaries in a way that supports the development of boundaries-related knowledge and skills in young adult females with Down Syndrome.
Research Findings
This research suggests that tools like The Circles™ app may be useful as a resource for females with Down Syndrome when teaching boundaries and relationships in sexuality education.
Accessibility– The app is user-friendly, and participants were able to easily use it with their guardian
Interest in the Topic– The app focuses on socialization, a topic of great interest to people with Down Syndrome
Effectiveness of Mode– The app teaches through the use of technology which research suggests is an effective form of education for people with Down Syndrome
Knowledge and Skills Development– After using The Circles™ app, participants demonstrated an improved understanding of boundaries including the nature of the boundaries in which people in their lives would fit
Knowledge and Skills Gaps– After using The Circles™ app, participants demonstrated a gap in understanding boundaries in relation to unsafe acquaintances, and those who they have perceived, though not actual, closeness to, such as peer crushes and celebrity crushes. The researchers suggest that more teaching about boundaries may be required to ensure understanding of boundaries in these contexts.
Practical Implications
Teachers, service providers, and healthcare professionals working with young adults with Down Syndrome may find using an app like The Circles™ app can be useful as a resource when teaching about relationships in sexuality education. However, it is important to note that further teaching and discussion about boundaries, especially in relation to unsafe acquaintances, celebrities and crushes, is important in supporting those with Down Syndrome develop comprehensive understanding required to have healthy and safe relationships.
Reference
Faught, M.B., Moore, G., Hande, K.A. & Walker-Hirsch, L. (2020) Social Boundaries in Young Adult Females with Down Syndrome as a Foundation for Sexuality Education, American Journal of Sexuality Education, 15(4), 426-443,
DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2020.1831677
