ERIC Number: EJ1464119
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: EISSN-1460-6984
Available Date: 2025-03-22
The Impact of Acquired Communication Impairments on Sexuality and Intimacy: A Scoping Review
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v60 n2 e70023 2025
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.
Descriptors: Speech Impairments, Sexuality, Intimacy, Communication Disorders, Speech Language Pathology, Quality of Life
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.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, USA; 2Royal Rehab LifeWorks Ryde, Sexuality Service, Ryde, New South Wales, Australia; 3Centre for Language and Communication Science Research, City St Georges, University of London, London, UK; 4University of Technology Sydney, Discipline of Speech Pathology, Graduate School of Health, Faculty of Health, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia