Love and People With Intellectual Disabilities: A Meta-Ethnography of Qualitative Research in the United Kingdom

Background: Love is part of human experience, yet people with intellectual disabilities face numerous barriers to expressing and engaging in loving relationships. Few UK studies have investigated this topic in depth. Methods: Eight databases were searched for articles published between 1998 and 2024. Article selection followed PRISMA and CASP guidelines. Included articles were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Eight UK-based studies met the inclusion criteria. These explored how individuals conceptualised love, their experiences of loving relationships, and factors influencing their romantic lives. Participants were able to articulate what love meant to them and how experiences of love linked to their identity, purpose, and well-being. Barriers, including lack of privacy, control of carers and social isolation, were identified as hindering participants' pursuit of love. Conclusion: Policies need to facilitate inclusive practices that challenge societal and structural attitudes around love and romance for people with intellectual disabilities.