| dc.description.abstract | The role of mothers in supporting the sexual development of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities is crucial, as cognitive and intellectual limitations. A preliminary survey conducted with three mothers of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities at UPT SLB-E Negeri Pembina, Provincial Level of North Sumatra, indicated that the role of mothers in supporting their daughters' sexual development remains suboptimal, particularly in providing fundamental sexual education, such as information about menstruation and the prevention of sexual harassment. This research aims to analyze the sexual development of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities, role of mothers in supporting this development, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, as well as the strategies used by mothersin overcoming those obstacles. This qualitative research employed phenomenological technique. Five mothers of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities were obtained as key informan using the Purposive and Snowball sampling techniques. The results of this study indicate that the sexual development of adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities occurs physiologically as in typical adolescents. Mothers provide sexual education that includes understanding of reproductive organ hygiene, personal boundaries, and appropriate social behavior norms. In addition, mothers also provide emotional support, train their daughters in self-care skills, and supervise their social interactions to prevent the risk of deviant behavior or sexual abuse. Supporting factors include the mother’s good health and support from husbands, extended family, and schools. In facing various challenges, mothers apply coping strategies such as managing emotions, seeking social support, and self-reflection. It is expected that mothers continue to support the sexual development of their children in a sustainable manner, while also equipping themselves with information related to various aspects of adolescent sexuality, including physical changes, emotional needs, and ways to maintain healthy social relationships. | en_US |
