Sexual Health and Behavior of Mentally Retarded Pupils in Japan

Overview & Synopsis

Sex education has always been a controversial topic. Although sex education at schools has improved in general, sex education for mentally retarded pupils still encounters prejudice and conservatism as a result of several misconceptions about the subject. This research was performed in the form of a survey of opinions about sex education in special classes in ordinary public schools for mentally retarded pupils in Tokyo, Japan. Information was collected through written questionnaires distributed to teachers and parents of pupils of both sexes, whose age range was between 7 and 16 years. This work aims to stimulate an open and broad discussion, as well as to help teachers and parents to improve their knowledge about the subject. In addition, it provides data to outline a more specific program in sex education for mentally retarded pupils.