Sexual implications of deaf-blindness

Fitz-Gerald, Della; Fitz-Gerald, Max

doi:10.1007/bf01100793

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Although little is known about individuals with CDB in general, there is almost no research-based knowledge regarding how CDB may affect sexual development, an aspect of adult life that is strongly connected to auditory and visual perception. Consequently, information on the sexual behavior of individuals with CDB is warranted in order to enhance support for individuals with CDB and their primary caregivers [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the few practice reports that have been published are based solely on case reports. Further, they have focused on two issues: (1) how sexuality-related challenging behaviors pose difficulties for carers and, (2) how the sexual needs and interests of adults with CDB can be supported by social carers [4,5]. Although such reports may be of value to the carers of individuals with CDB, exiting research has not provided an overview of sexual behaviors among individuals with CDB and their connection to other factors such as communication and cognitive abilities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sexuality Among Adults with Congenital Deafblindness: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study Among Primary Carers

2019

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Research investigating the sexuality of individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities is increasing. However, little is known about the sexuality of people with congenital deafblindness (CDB). The aim of the current study was to create a profile of the sexuality of adults with CDB in Denmark. Data was collected from the primary carers of 95 adults with CDB by use of a survey with questions about sexual behavior, the object of sexual behavior, level of sexual frustration, and pedagogical support for sexual satisfaction. The data were analysed with regard to gender, age, severity of deafblindness, communication, activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive abilities, and carer characteristics. The results revealed that approximately half the number of participants showed sexual behavior while the other half did not. In the majority of cases, sexual behavior was self-stimulation, while, for the rest, sexual behavior was directed towards other people and/or objects. Around one out of ten participants was provided with pedagogical support to help satisfy their sexual needs. Sexual behavior was significantly associated with high scores for communication skills, ADL, and cognitive abilities. Further, high ADL and cognitive abilities were associated with the provision of pedagogical support for sexual satisfaction. Around one out of ten participants, all of whom were men, experienced sexual frustrations. The findings of the current study-the first quantitative study on sexuality among individuals with CDB-are comparable to the findings of studies among individuals with developmental disorders and underline the need for sexuality-related support for individuals with disabilities including those with CDB.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%