The meaning of sexual well-being to physically disabled people : implications for practice

Lee, S; Collins, B

Abstract

This research explored the meaning of sexual well-being to
adults with physical disability. Sexual well-being is one of
the most significant parts of life (Taylor, 2011), profoundly
connected to human well-being, where pleasure, person-toperson connection and communication enhance self-worth
and confidence (Myers and Milner, 2007; Dunk, 2007; Owens,
2015). Marginalised groups, including disabled people, are
subject to sexual disenfranchisement, with narratives of
asexuality leading to exclusion from opportunities for sexual
expression. This has a profound impact on mental and physical
well-being. This phenomenological study involved in-depth
interviews with six adults with physical disabilities. These were
transcribed verbatim and analysed using an interpretative
theming process. Reflexivity was particularly important. Ethical
approval was gained. Six themes emerged: 1. The meaning
of sexual well-being; 2. The experience of sexual discontent;
3. Who am I and what does this body mean to me?; 4. Isolation:
internal and external; 5. Asexuality: not us but ‘them’; and
6. How professionals can assist. Sexual well-being is complex
and meant different things to participants. While sexual wellbeing is sensitive, personal and overlooked in social care,
participants want and need the opportunity to explore their
sexuality. Professionals need to consider this, as with any other
aspect of well-being. However, therapists require the skills and
confidence to enable clients to explore their sexual well-being
as part of their occupational identity. This study highlights the
necessity of hearing the voices of often marginalised members of
society to implement the well-being principle underpinning the
Care Act 2014.

Citation

Lee, S., & Collins, B. The meaning of sexual well-being to physically disabled people : implications for practice. Presented at RCOT 2018, Belfast Waterfront, Northern Ireland

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: RCOT 2018
• Conference Location: Belfast Waterfront, Northern Ireland
• End Date: Jun 13, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 12, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2020
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022618789846
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022618789846
• Related Public URLs: https://www.rcot.co.uk/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference