The effects of a sexual issues discussion group on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of physically disabled college students

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a sexual issues discussion group on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of physically disabled college students. Research indicated that the disabled have more difficulty adjusting to college than do able-bodied students. Since sexual adjustment is an important component of total adjustment, it was hypothesized that this might be an important function of a college counselor working with disabled students. Twelve physically disabled students at ASU were the subjects for this study. It was determined that while there was no statistically significant difference on test instruments between the experimental and control groups, change was made in the direction of more liberal sexual attitudes and behaviors of the experimental group. Secondly, self-ratings on individual goals of the experimental group did show that participants progressed toward the goals which they had set for themselves prior to treatment. The major conclusion was that the size of the N was a contributing factor in the failure to denote a statistically significant difference between the two groups on the test instruments.This article is based on her dissertation study on sexuality and disability submitted to the University of Arizona in February, 1980.     

Sexuality and the physically disabled: The social work role

This paper initially examines the social work roles of educator, counselor, and advocate in the field of human sexuality and the physically disabled. The second part of the paper reviews a sexual counseling program for disabled college students, developed and co-led by the author, and illustrating many of the concepts presented.Special thanks to Dr. Maurice Berard.     

The Impact of Sexual Esteem, Body Esteem, and Sexual Satisfaction on Psychological Well-Being in People with Physical Disability

The current study investigated the association between sexuality and psychological well-being in people with physical disabilities. A total of 1,196 participants completed the study. There were 748 participants who had a physical disability and 448 participants who were able-bodied. The results demonstrated that sexual esteem, body esteem, and sexual satisfaction were strong predictors of self-esteem and depression among people with physical disability, and that this relationship was stronger among people with physical disability than able-bodied participants. It was also found that body esteem was more closely associated with self-esteem in disabled women, while sexual esteem was more closely associated with self-esteem in disabled men. The results of the study suggest that researchers and clinicians who are concerned with the psychological health of people with physical disability should consider strategies to improve the body esteem and sexual well-being of people with physical disabilities.     

Sexual behaviors of physically disabled adolescents in the United States.

PURPOSE: To examine differences in some aspects of sexual behavior between physically disabled and nondisabled adolescents in the United States.METHODS: The 1994-1995 Wave I data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a stratified, multistage cluster, school-based sample of 7th to 12th graders, were used. Physical disabilities were measured in terms of functional limitation and activity restriction. A total of 1153 adolescents were identified as physically disabled, mainly with limb difficulties. We studied their exposure on school sex education, contraceptive knowledge, sex attitudes, and popularity. Their experiences in romantic attraction and sex were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression methods, controlling for age, pubertal development, and other sociodemographic variables.RESULTS: Although disabled adolescents are slower in pubertal development and more socially isolated, they are as sexually experienced as their nondisabled counterparts. Their exposure to school sex education is largely similar to that of the nondisabled, yet disabled boys are somewhat less knowledgeable about birth control. Severely disabled boys who are sexually active are popular among their same-sex peers, much like nondisabled boys. Although disabled adolescents are as sexually experienced, severely disabled boys and girls have less opposite-sex romantic attraction and are less sure about their sexual preference. Adolescents with mild disabilities have a higher tendency for same-sex attraction than do the nondisabled. Adolescent girls with physical disabilities consistently have higher odds of experiencing forced sex.CONCLUSIONS: Physically disabled adolescents' sexual development and their specific needs for sex education and guidance should not be overlooked. More attention should be paid to protect physically disabled girls from sexual abuses and exploitations.     

The relationship between attitudes towards menstruation and sexual attitudes,desires, and behavior in women

We studied 114 romantically involved women to examine empirically the psychological connections between menstruation and sexuality. As menstruation is a distinctive sign of both reproductive potential and sexual maturity, we hypothesized that the attitudes women have towards menstruation will correlate with their sexual attitudes, desires, and behavior. As predicted, a comfort with personal sexuality was associated with a comfort with menstruation as a normal, publicly acceptable event. This association remained after controlling for liberal attitudes and disgust sensitivity. In addition, women who had engaged in sexual relations with their current partner during menses were significantly more comfortable with menstruation, more aroused by romantic and unconventional sexual activities, and less sensitive to disgust.     

Allied health professional students' perceived level of comfort in clinical situations that have sexual connotations

This study examined the anticipated level of comfort of 1,132 higher education students enrolled across physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical radiation sciences, rehabilitation counseling, leisure and health sciences, and behavioral health science professional courses. Participants were asked to indicate their anticipated level of comfort for a range of clinical interactions that have sexual implications. More than half of the students anticipated that they would not feel comfortable in dealing with the issues raised in 9 of the 19 sexually themed items. Significant gender differences were identified for some of these items. These gender differences should be taken into account when developing sexuality curricula. Feelings of discomfort when interacting with clients could impede appropriate therapeutic interventions. Further research investigating the nature and cause of discomfort in clinical settings is required. Studies that examine the usefulness of sexuality education programs in increasing practitioner comfort also should be carried out.     

The relationship between adult sexual adjustment and childhood experiences regarding exposure to nudity,sleeping in the parental bed,and parental attitudes toward sexuality

The relationship between adult sexual functioning and childhood experiences with exposure to nudity, sleeping in the parents' bed, and parental attitudes toward sexuality was examined. Although a variety of experts have provided their opinion on this issue, empirical research on this topic has been lacking. In this study, male and female college students were asked to retrospectively report on the frequency of sleeping in the parental bed as a child, the frequency of seeing others nude during childhood, and parental attitudes regarding sexuality. Information on current sexual functioning and adjustment was also obtained. The results suggest that childhood experiences with exposure to nudity and sleeping in the parental bed are not adversely related to adult sexual functioning and adjustment. In fact, there is modest support that these childhood experiences are positively related to indices of adjustment. Results also suggest that a positive attitude toward sexuality can be beneficial for a child's comfort with his/her sexuality. Finally, examination of gender differences revealed that male and female experience paternal attitudes toward sexuality differently but are similar in their perceptions of maternal attitudes.     

Romantic interest in obese college students

This study compares romantic interest in obese and non-obese students. We surveyed 1217 college students on their demographic characteristics, self-perceptions (self-loathing and drive for thinness), and romantic selectivity. Obese people (especially women) showed strongly negative self-perceptions. Obese people and women were less likely to be selective about the physical traits of their potential partners than nonobese people and men. Obese women preferred overweight (but not obese) partners. Obese men preferred partners in the normal weight range. Results suggest that obesity is associated with predictable alterations in one's romantic attraction to others.     

Family Life Education for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Through the development and evaluation of the Family Life Education Trainer's Manual, the author sought to address the human sexuality needs of moderately and severely developmentally disabled people and to increase the comfort and confidence of parents, teachers, and service providers in their role as sex educators. Evaluation included various aspects of the manual as well as reviewers' attitudes toward the sexual behavior of developmentally disabled people. Teachers, parents, and service providers rated the manual in the good-to-excellent range regarding its potential effectiveness as a training tool. Although parents had the least liberal attitudes, they nevertheless viewed the manual as an effective tool. Readers expressed reservations about the level of the materials for the severely disabled.     

Disability, space and sexuality: access to family planning services

In this paper we examine, from a social perspective, access to family planning clinics for disabled people. We argue that disabled people are commonly understood to be either asexual, uninterested in sex or unable to take part in sexual activity, or sexual 'monsters' unable to control their sexual drives and feelings. These understandings are reproduced through the use of cultural representations and myths, and are evidenced in the planning and design of family planning clinics and the information and services they provide. To illustrate our arguments we present the findings of a short questionnaire survey of all family planning clinics in Northern Ireland. Physical access to these clinics was partial, and access to information and services were extremely limited. These results indicate that disabled people are not expected to be using the services (consultation, treatment, information) that family planning clinics provide. As such, family planning clinics in Northern Ireland represent a landscape of exclusion, denying disabled people access to services and reproducing cultural ideologies concerning disability and sexuality.     

Stability of Self-Reported Same-Sex and Both-Sex Attraction from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

This study examined how sexual attraction varied across age, gender of participant, and gender of romantic partner, from adolescence to early adulthood. Comparisons between same-sex and both-sex attracted individuals were of particular interest. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (AddHealth), we examined the responses of participants who reported experiencing same-sex attractions or both-sex attractions at least once within four waves (n = 1889). Results indicated that same-sex attractions became more stable over time, whereas both-sex attraction remained unstable even into adulthood. Compared with males, females were less stable in same-sex attraction, but more stable in both-sex attraction. The majority of people who reported same-sex attraction did not report having a same-sex romantic partner before they entered adulthood, and those who reported a same-sex romantic partner were more likely to maintain their same-sex attraction than those who did not. As males got older, the gender of their romantic partner tended to become more consistent with their sexual attraction. However, for females, the consistency between the gender of their romantic partner and sexual attraction did not change over time.     

Sexual counseling with spinal cord-injured clients.

Spinal cord-injured clients have many fears and misapprehension about their sexual functioning. Common beliefs include: (a) disabled men cannot sexually satisfy able-bodied women; and (b) cord-injured persons cannot have sexual intercourse. Such misapprehensions can be helped by the counselor's willingness to discuss sexual issues openly. Clients need a clear and accurate picture of the facts, as well as encouragement and support to help them rediscover their sexuality. Spinal cord injury does not mean sexual incapacity. Given a knowing and patient partner, most clients can enjoy a satisfying sex life.     

“Sexuality,disability and abuse: advice for life … not just for kids!”*

This annotation addresses the debate about the availability, taboos, choices and risks concerning the sexuality and abuse of young disabled people, it highlights the vulnerability of some disabled young people and discusses the dilemmas of maintaining the disabled person's dignity, safeguarding his/her independence and recognizing the need for appropriate sex education while providing protection from abuse, it is suggested that statutory agencies as well as legislation should assume greater responsibility for protecting and safeguarding the interests of disabled youngsters, some of whom may risk physical, emotional and sexual abuse beyond childhood. The manner in which sexuality and abuse are dealt with often reflects the way disabled people are regarded by the society. This paper attempts to address some of the legal and conceptual issues surrounding this area.     

Theoretical Issues in the Study of Asexuality

Academic interest in asexual people is new and researchers are beginning to discuss how to proceed methodologically and conceptually with the study of asexuality. This article explores several of the theoretical issues related to the study of asexuality. Researchers have tended to treat asexuality either as a distinct sexual orientation or as a lack of sexual orientation. Difficulties arise when asexual participants are inconsistent in their self-identification as asexual. Distinguishing between sexual and romantic attraction resolves this confusion, while simultaneously calling into question conceptualizations of the asexual population as a single homogenous group. Arguments are considered in favor of exploring diversity within the asexual population, particularly with respect to gender and romantic orientation, proposing that the categorical constructs employed in (a)sexuality research be replaced with continuous ones. Furthermore, given the recently noted bias toward including only self-identified asexuals, as opposed to non-self-identified asexuals or “potential-asexuals,” in research about asexuality, the nature and meaning of asexual self-identification are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the theoretical importance of acknowledging asexual self-identification or lack thereof in future research into asexuality. This article discusses what these current theoretical issues mean for the study of asexuality and sexuality more generally, including a brief consideration of ethical implications for research with asexual participants. Finally, directions for future research are suggested.     

Silenced No More: A Review of Supporting Disabled People with Their Sexual Lives

Supporting Disabled People with Their Sexual Lives: A Clear Guide for Health and Social Care Professionals focuses on educating healthcare providers about the needs and barriers to sexuality for disabled people. This comprehensive volume encourages providers to openly address issues of sexuality with disabled clients. The author takes a positive approach toward disability and a clearly sexually affirmative perspective. The author includes a section on difficulties that providers may encounter in conducting sexual advocacy and promotion of sexual health. The volume includes analysis of the sexual health needs of individuals with disability, specific techniques and approaches to sexual expression, dating and partnership, the role of sexual services, and sexual diversity. Her chapter on sexuality and sex education with disabled youth is one of the most controversial areas of the many provocative topics covered. A co-author wrote a chapter on sex, disability, and human rights exploring the sexual rights of disabled people. The text is written in a very accessible, open narrative that varies from extremely detailed to quite concise. There is no serious or comprehensive discussion about concerns related to sexual abuse. Many statements presented are supported primarily by anecdotal data; while there is clearly a paucity of available empirical research on these topics, readers may question the evidence-base for many strategies presented. This book is a countercultural response to decades of overly conservative practices that have attempted to restrict and silence disabled sexuality. This is a helpful and useful tool for those seriously interested in enabling disabled people full participation in this important realm of life.     

Effect of Relationship Status on Response Times to Sexual and Romantic Stimuli Among Japanese Undergraduates in a Memory Task

This study examined the effects of relationship status on response times to sexual and romantic stimuli during a memory task, which has not been studied before. Based on previous studies on sexual attitudes and behaviors, we hypothesized that response times to sexual stimuli would be faster in individuals who were in a relationship, compared to those who were not. We also hypothesized that the response times to sexual stimuli of individuals who were not in a relationship would be slower than their response time to romantic stimuli. A total of 348 college students memorized 27 sexual, romantic, and neutral sentences and were later asked to recognize them. The students’ response times to each sentence were recorded. The results of a 2 (gender)?×?2 (stimulus type)?×?2 (relationship status) ANOVA showed that response times to sexual sentences were faster in participants who were in a relationship, compared to those who were not. Furthermore, participants who were not in a relationship responded more slowly to sexual than to romantic sentences. Thus, our hypotheses were supported. Individuals’ relationship status influenced their response times to sexual and romantic stimuli even after controlling for the effects of gender.

     

Disabled people in rural South Africa talk about sexuality

Disability is emerging as a human rights issue of public concern, rather than an individual tragedy requiring medical attention. The issue of sexuality remains relatively neglected in this agenda, particularly as regards the exploration of the complexities of sexuality encountered by disabled people themselves. This paper focuses on the experiences of sexuality of disabled people and parents of disabled children in settings of poverty in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Three individual interviews and two focus groups were conducted with disabled adults and parents of disabled children. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified three principal themes (1) sexuality development in the family of origin, (2) sexuality in the community and (3) adult sexuality and creating families. Each of these larger themes encompasses various sub-themes that are discussed in the findings. The paper concludes that while sexuality is a very difficult aspect of life for a disabled person due to myths and discrimination against disabled people, it is also an important arena for affirmation and establishing self-worth. It is therefore critical to consider the development of a healthy sexuality amongst disabled people and the promotion of their sexual rights.     

Exploring Variations in North American Adults’ Attitudes,Interest, Experience,and Outcomes Related to Mixed-Gender Threesomes: A Replication and Extension

Mixed-gender threesomes (MGTs) are a type of consensually nonmonogamous sexual encounter involving three people of more than one gender. Little research has been conducted on MGTs, and what little work does exist is limited to college students, who may actually be less experienced with MGTs than older adults. The present study investigated attitudes toward, interest in, experiences with, and outcomes of MGTs in two samples (college N?=?231; online N?=?1342), comprised of 907 heterosexual and 666 sexual minority participants in total. Results indicated that participants reported neutral-to-positive attitudes toward and moderate-to-high levels of interest in MGTs (81% indicated some degree of interest). MGTs involving familiar others were preferred to those involving strangers. Men, sexual minority individuals, and participants from the online sample reported more favorable attitudes toward and greater interest in MGTs as compared to women, heterosexual individuals, and participants from the student sample. In addition, 30% of participants indicated having experience with a MGT. Sexual minority individuals reported more experience with MGTs and more positive outcomes than did heterosexual individuals. In addition, on average, participants reported that their MGT experiences “met expectations.” Overall, these results indicate that MGTs are a common sexual behavior that often results in positive outcomes, especially among sexual minority individuals. Additional research on this understudied topic is needed, particularly as it relates to outcomes and the role of MGTs in consensually nonmonogamous relationships.

     

长春市某高校大学生非婚性行为现状及影响因素分析

目的了解大学生性行为现状及其影响因素。方法运用分层随机抽样方法选择长春市某高校803名大学生进行问卷调查。结果大学生非婚性行为的发生率为12.5%,不同年级、性别、生源地的大学生性行为的发生率差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。仅有1名性伴侣的大学生占63.0%,有2名及以上性伴侣者占37.0%。82.0%的大学生采取避孕措施,主要方式为使用安全套,但每次性行为都使用安全套者仅为38.0%。结论大学生对非婚性行为持开放态度,对性知识具有较高需求。家庭、高校、社会应加强大学生性健康教育。     

How Zulu-speaking youth with physical and visual disabilities understand love and relationships in constructing their sexual identities

Popular socio-medical discourses surrounding the sexuality of disabled people have tended to subjugate young people with disabilities as de-gendered and asexual. As a result, very little attention has been given to how young people with disabilities in the African context construct their sexual identities. Based on findings from a participatory research study conducted amongst Zulu-speaking youth with physical and visual disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal, this paper argues that young people with disabilities are similar to other non-disabled youth in the way they construct their sexual identities. Using a post-structural framework, it outlines how the young participants construct discursive truths surrounding disability, culture and gender through their discussions of love and relationships. In this context, it is argued that the sexual identities' of young people with physical and visual disabilities actually emerges within the intersectionality of identity discourses.