The impact of acquired communication impairments on sexuality and intimacy: A scoping review

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.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

• Though researchers have long posited reasons why acquired communication impairments would logically affect sexuality and intimacy, the literature on the topic has been difficult to find. Such research is spread across disorder areas. Sexuality effects are often hidden amid multiple quality-of-life indicators, or communication impairment impacts are described as one of many independent variables.

What this paper adds to the existing knowledge

• This scoping review is the first of its kind to provide an overview of the research into communication impairments’ effects on sexuality. It describes the effects that communication impairments can have on sexuality.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

• This scoping review will help clinicians to find relevant research for their clients’ needs and help researchers conduct more thorough research in this area. It also provides clinical recommendations for helping clients with communication impairments access this important part of life.