| Title: |
The Impact of Acquired Communication Impairments on Sexuality and Intimacy: A Scoping Review |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Laura Lin Wolford (ORCID 0000-0002-2823-0989); Vanessa Arratia; Nicholas Behn (ORCID 0000-0001-9356-9957); Emma Power (ORCID 0000-0002-2638-0406) |
| Source: |
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2025 60(2). |
| Availability: |
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
27 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: |
Speech Impairments; Sexuality; Intimacy; Communication Disorders; Speech Language Pathology; Quality of Life |
| DOI: |
10.1111/1460-6984.70023 |
| ISSN: |
1368-2822; 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: |
Background: Communication is critical to sexuality and sexual health. It is therefore reasonable to assume that acquired communication impairments would impact sexuality, but research is sparse. The research that does discuss these impacts can be difficult to find, as studies are spread across a wide variety of literature bases, and sexual topics are often combined with other concerns. Coupled with clinicians' discomfort in addressing sexual issues, this leads to a lack of clinical support for patients' sexual concerns. Aims: This scoping review aimed to map and summarize the existing literature on sexuality and acquired communication impairments. Methods & Procedures: Six databases were searched: CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. To find studies from the literature on acquired communication impairments and their aetiologies that addressed sexuality and communication, a combination of sexuality and communication impairment terms was used. A total of 97 articles met inclusion criteria. Main Contribution: Across aetiologies and literature bases, acquired communication impairments have been found to negatively affect sexuality. However, researchers rarely evaluate the nature of the communication impairment or its effects on sexuality directly. People with communication impairments are more often systematically excluded from acquired disability research on sexuality. Using the reviewed literature, we present recommendations for including sexuality-related topics in communication disorder research and including people with communication impairments in sexuality-related research. We also present recommendations for speech-language pathologists to begin incorporating sexuality-related topics in their clinical practice. Conclusions & Implications: The effects of communication impairments on sexuality are insufficiently researched. The literature that does exist points to substantial impacts. This area of research deserves more concerted attention so that clinicians may have guidance and support in addressing the issue with their clients. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1464119 |
| Database: |
ERIC |