Abstract
Self-advocacy groups and individual authors have increasingly expressed concern that persons with disabilities (PWD) are sexually disenfranchised by a society that inaccurately perceives them as asexual beings. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the social and empirical foundations for the contention that PWD are indeed viewed as asexual and examine whether there is cause for ongoing concern and intervention. This review includes a consideration of the implications for both clinical practice and future research as well. It is concluded that despite significant gains in our biological and psychosocial understanding of sexuality in the context of disability, there remains much to be accomplished to effect needed change in the areas of professional practice, research, societal attitudes, and most importantly, in the lives of PWD.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Neufeldt AH: Appearances of disability, discrimination and the transformation of rehabilitation service practices. In Cross-cultural Rehabilitation: An International Perspective, R.L. Leavitt (ed). Toronto, W.B. Saunders, 1999, pp. 25–36.
Caruso, SM, Baum RB, Hopkins D, Lauer M, Russell S, Meranto E, Stisser K: The development of a regional association to address the sexuality needs of individuals with disabilities. Sex Disability 15:285–291, 1997.
Gill CJ: Dating and relationship issues. Sex Disability 14:183–189, 1996.
Hahn H: The social component of sexuality and disability: Some problems and proposals. Sex Disability 4:220–233, 1981.
Norden MF: The Cinema of Isolation: A History of Physical Disability in the Movies. New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University Press, 1994.
Tilley CM:Sexuality in women with physical disabilities: A social justice or health issue? Sex Disability 14:139–151, 1996.
Felce D, Perry, J: Quality of life: The scope of the term and its breadth of measurement. In Quality of Life for People with Disabilities (2nd ed), R Brown (ed). Cheltenham, UK, Stanley Thornes, 1997, pp. 56–71.
Medlar TM: Sexual counseling and traumatic brain injury. Sex Disability 11:57–71, 1993.
Nosek MA, Rintala DH, Young ME, Howland CA, Foley CC, Rossi D, Chanpong G: Sexual functioning among women with physical disabilities. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 77:107–115, 1996.
Yoshida KK: Intimate and marital relationships: An insider's perspective. Sex Disability 12:179–189, 1994.
DeLoach CP: Attitudes toward disability: Impact on sexual development and forging of intimate relationships. J Appl Rehabil Counseling 25(1):18–25, 1994.
Whitehouse MA, McCabe MP: Sex education programs for people with intellectual disability: How effective are they? Educ Training Ment Retard Dev Disabilities 32(2):229–240, 1997.
Wolfe PS: The influence of personal values on issues of sexuality and disability. Sex Disability 15:69–90, 1997.
Trieschmann RB: Spinal Cord Injuries: Psychological, Social, and Vocational Rehabilitation (2nd ed), New York, Demos, 1988.
Burlink K, Tarvydas VM, Maki DR: Human sexuality and disability: A holistic interpretation of rehabilitation counseling. J Appl Rehabil Counseling 25:10–16, 1994.
Farrow J: Sexuality counseling with clients who have spinal cord injuries. Rehabil Counseling Bull 33:251–259, 1990.
Webster J: Lost time: Sex after SCI. Spinal Columns 11(3):25–26, Winter 1997. (Available from Canadian Paraplegic Association [Alberta], #305, 11010–101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5H 4B9)
Corbet B: Bully pit: Freak love. New Mobility [online], February, 1998. (Available: http:// www.newmobility.com/query/magazine)
Stohl E: Sexuality and disability: Uncovering the real life obstacles. SCI Psychosoc Process 2/3:73–74, 1996.
Kroll K, Klein EL: Enabling Romance: A Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships for the Disabled (and the people who care about them), Bethesda, MD, Woodbine House, 1995.
Mona LR, Gardos PS, Brown RC: Sexual self views of women with disabilities: The relationship among age-of-onset, nature of disability and sexual self-esteem. Sex Disability 12:261–277, 1994.
Romeo AJ, Wanless R, Arenas S: A profile of psychosexual functioning in males following spinal cord injury. Sex Disability 11:269–276, 1993.
Rousso H: Sexuality and a positive sense of self. In Women with Physical Disabilities: Achieving and Maintaining Health and Well-Being, D Krososki, M Nosek, M Turk (eds). Baltimore, Paul H. Brookes, 1996, pp. 109–116.
Rousso H: Special considerations in counseling clients with cerebral palsy. Sex Disability 11:99–108, 1993.
DeCock HJ: Life with a spinal cord injury: Is it the pits? Spinal Columns 11(2):30, 1996. (Available from Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), _305, 11010–101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5H 4B9).
Dobbs J: The road to intimacy. New Mobility [online], October, 1997. (Available: http:// www.newmobility.com/query/magazine)
The dating game. Caliper L11(4):28–29, Spring, 1998. (Available from Canadian Paraplegic Association, 1101 Prince of Wales Drive, Suite 230, Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3W7).
Sexual turning points. New Mobility [online], June, 1997. (Available: http://www.new mobility.com/query/magazine)
In search of a new aesthetic. New Mobility [online], November, 1998. (Available: http:// www.newmobility.com/query/magazine)
Hahn H: Can disability be beautiful? In Perspectives on Disability, M Nagler (ed). Palo Alto, Ca, Health Markets Research, 1990, pp. 310–319.
Brolley DY, Anderson SC: Advertising and attitudes. In Perspectives on Disability, M Nagler (ed). Palo Alto, Ca, Health Markets Research, 1990, pp. 147–150.
Schwartz HD: Further thoughts on a “sociology of acceptance” for disabled people. Soc Policy 19(2):36–39, 1988.
Sheridan C: A Physical Challenge for the Media: The Effects of Portrayals of Wheelchair Users [online]. Available at http://www.youknow.com/disability/portrayals.html) 1996.
Green S, Renzi M (Producers), Sayles J (Director): Passion Fish [Film], 1992.
Von Trier L (Director): Breaking the Waves [Film], Denmark, October Films, 1996.
Berkman AH, Weissman R, Frielich, MH: Sexual adjustment of spinal cord injured veterans living in the community. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 59:29–33, 1978.
Cole S: Foreward. In Ducharme SH, Gill, KM: Sexuality after Spinal Cord Injury, Baltimore, Paul H. Brookes, 1997.
Willmuth ME: Sexuality after spinal cord injury: A critical review. Clin Psychol Rev 7:389–412, 1987.
Nosek MA, Howland CA, Young, ME, Georgiou D, Rintala DH, Foley CC, Bennett JL, Smith Q: Wellness models and sexuality among women with physical disabilities. J Appl Rehabil Counseling 25(1):50–58, 1994.
Robillard K, Fichten CS: Attributions about sexuality and romantic involvement of physically disabled college students: An empirical study. Sex Disability 6:197–212, 1983.
Vargo FA: Adaptation to disability by the wives of spinal cord males: A phenomenological approach. J Appl Rehabil Counseling 15(1):28–32, 1984.
Ducharme S, Gill KM: Sexual values, training and professional roles. In The Psychological and Social Impact of Disability (3rd ed), RP Marinelli, AE Dell Orto (eds). New York, Springer, 1991, pp. 201–209.
Wada MA, Brodwin MG: Attitudes of society toward sexual functioning of male individuals with spinal cord injury. Psychol 12(4):18–22, 1975.
Anderson RJ, Antonak RF: The influence of attitudes and contact on reactions to persons with physical and speech difficulties. Rehabil Counselling Bull 35:240–247, 1992.
Gething L: Judgements by health professions of personal characteristics of people with a visible physical disability. Soc Sci Med 34:809–815, 1992.
Wright BA: Physical Disability: A Psychosocial Approach (2nd ed). New York: Harper & Row, 1983.
Olkin R, Howson LJ: Attitudes toward and images of physical disability. J Soc Behav Pers 9(5):81–96, 1994.
Phillips M: Damaged goods: Oral narratives of the experience of disability in American culture. Soc Sci Med 30:849–857, 1990.
Strohmer DC, Grand SA, Purcell MJ: Attitudes toward persons with a disability: An examination of demographic factors, social context, and specific disability. Rehabil Psychol 29:131–145, 1984.
Fichten CS, Goodrick G, Amsel R, McKenzie SW: Reactions toward dating peers with visual impairments. Rehabil Psychol 36:163–178, 1991.
Gordon ED, Minnes PM, Holden RR: The structure of attitudes toward persons with a disability, when specific disability and context are considered. Rehabil Psychol 35:79–90, 1990.
Fichten CS: Self, other, and situation-referent automatic thoughts: Interaction between people who have a physical disability and those who do not. Cognitive Ther Res 10:571–588, 1986.
Fichten CS, Amsel R: Trait attributions about college students with a physical disability: Circumplex analyses and methodological issues. J Appl Soc Psychol 16:410–427, 1986.
Fichten CS, Robillard K, Judd D, Amsel R: College students with physical disabilities: Myths and realities. Rehabil Psychol 34:243–257, 1989.
Fichten CS, Robillard K, Tagalakis V, Amsel R: Causal interaction between college students with various disabilities and their nondisabled peers: The internal dialogue. Rehabil Psychol 36:3–20, 1991.
Haring M, Meyerson L: Attitudes of college students toward sexual behavior of disabled persons. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 60:257–260, 1979.
Scotti JR, Slack BS, Bowman MA, Morris TL: College students' attitudes concerning the sexuality of persons with mental retardation: Development of the Perceptions of Sexuality Scale. Sex Disability 14:249–263, 1996.
Yuker HE: Variables that influence attitudes toward people with disabilities: Conclusions from the data. J Soc Behav Pers 9(5):3–22, 1994.
Bozzacco V: Long-term psychosocial effects of spinal cord injury. Rehabil Nurs 18:82–87, 1993.
Carlson CE: Conceptual style and life satisfaction following spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 60:346–352, 1979.
Krause JS: Life satisfaction after spinal cord injury: A descriptive study. Rehabil Psychol 37:61–70, 1992.
Mackelprang RW, Hepworth DH: Sexual adjustment following spinal cord injury: Empirical findings and clinical implications. Arete 15(1):1–13, 1990.
Miller S, Morgan M: Marriage matters: For people with disabilities too. Sex Disability 3:203–211, 1980.
Pearson V, Klook A: Sexual behavior following paraplegia: An exploratory study in Hong Kong. Disability Handicap Soc 4:285–295, 1989.
Povolny MA, Kaplan SP, Marme M, Roldan G: Perceptions of adjustment issues following a spinal cord injury: A case study. J Appl Rehabil Counseling 24(3):31–34, 1993.
Ray C, West J: Social, sexual and personal implications of paraplegia. Paraplegia 22:75–86, 1984.
Rintala DH, Howland CA, Nosek MA, Bennett JL, Young ME, Foley CC, Rossi CD, Chanpong G: Dating issues for women with physical disabilities. Sex Disability 15:219–242, 1997.
Tepper MS: Sexual education in spinal cord rehabilitation: Current trends and recommendations. Sex Disability 10:15–31, 1992.
Brown JS, Giesy B: Marital status of persons with spinal cord injury. Soc Sci Med 23:313–322, 1986.
DeVivo MJ, Fine PR: Spinal cord injury: Its short-term impact on marital status. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 66:501–504, 1985.
DeVivo MJ, Hawkins LN, Richards JS, Go BK: Outcomes of post-spinal cord injury marriages. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 76:130–138, 1995.
DeVivo MJ, Richards, JS: Community reintegration and quality of life following spinal cord injury. Paraplegia 30:108–112, 1992.
DeLoach C, Greer BG: Adjustment to Severe Disability: A Metamorphosis. New York, McGraw-Hill Books, 1981.
Lemon MA: Sexual counseling and spinal cord injury. Sex Disability 11:73–97, 1993.
Oliver M, Zarb G, Silver J, Moore M, Salisbury V: Walking Into Darkness: The Experience of Spinal Cord Injury. London, MacMillan Press, 1988.
Vash CL: The Psychology of Disability. New York, Demos, 1981.
Kettl P, Zarefoss S, Jocoby K, Garman C, Hulse C, Rowley F, Corey R, Sredy M, Bixler E, Tyson K: Female sexuality after spinal cord injury. Sex Disability 9:287–295, 1991.
Richards E, Tepper M, Whipple B, Komisaruk BR: Women with complete spinal cord injury: A phenomenological study of sexuality and relationship experiences. Sex Disability 15:271–283, 1997.
White MJ, Rintala DH, Hart KA, Fuhrer MJ: Sexual activities, concerns and interests of women with spinal cord injury living in the community. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 72:372–378, 1993.
White, MJ, Rintala DH, Hart KA, Young ME, Fuhrer MJ: Sexual activities, concerns and interests of men with spinal cord injury. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 71:225–231, 1992.
Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A: Sexual adjustment and quality of relationships in spinal paraplegia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 77:541–547, 1996.
Crewe NM, Athelstan GT, Krumberger J: Spinal cord injury: A comparison of preinjury and postinjury marriages. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 60:252–256, 1979.
Crewe NM, Krause JS: Marital relationships and spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 69:435–438, 1988.
El Ghatit AZ, Hanson RW: Marriage and divorce after spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 57:470–472, 1976.
Milligan MS, Neufeldt AH: Postinjury marriage to men with spinal cord injury: Women's perspectives on making a commitment. Sex Disability 16:117–132, 1998.
Simmons S, Ball SE: Marital adjustment and self-actualization in couples married before and after spinal cord injury. J Marriage Fam 46:943–945, 1984.
Siosteen A, Lundqvist C, Blomstrand C, Sullivan L, Sullivan M: Sexual ability, activity, attitudes and satisfaction as part of adjustment in spinal cord-injured patients. Paraplegia 28:285–295, 1990.
Walters AS, Williamson GM: Sexual satisfaction predicts quality of life: A study of adult amputees. Sex Disability 16:103–115, 1998.
Neumann RJ: The forgotten other: Women partners of spinal cord injured men, a preliminary report. Sex Disability 2:287–292, 1979.
Hurd GA, Cantin M (Producers), Jiminez N, Steinberg M (Directors): The Waterdance [Film]. No Frills Film Production, 1992.
Gardos PS, Mona LR: The use of computers and on-line services in conducting sexuality research with people who have physical disabilities. Sex Disability 12:251–259, 1994.
Hewson CM, Laurent D, Vogel CM: Proper methodologies for psychological and sociological studies conducted via the Internet. Behav Res Methods Instrum Comput 28:186–191, 1996.
Schmidt WC: World-wide web survey research: Benefits, potential problems, and solutions. Behav Res Methods Instrum Comput 29:274–279, 1997.
David A, Gur S, Rozin R: Survival in marriage in the paraplegic couple: Psychological study. Paraplegia 15:198–201, 1977–78.
Donohue J, Gebhard P: The Kinsey Institute/Indiana University Report on sexuality and spinal cord injury. Sex Disability 13:7–85, 1995.
Ducharme S: From the editor. Sex Disability 15:125–126, 1997.
Tepper MS: Providing comprehensive sexual health care in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: Implementation and evaluation of a new curriculum for health care professionals. Sex Disability 15:131–165, 1997.
Shurka E, Siller J, Dvonch P: Coping behavior and personal responsibility as factors in the perception of disabled persons to the nondisabled. Rehabil Psychol 27:225–233, 1982.
Fine M, Asch A: Disability beyond stigma: Social interaction, discrimination, and activism. J Soc Issues 44:3–21, 1988.
Kerr N, Bodman DA: Disability research methods: An argument for the use of Galileian modes of thought in disability research. J Soc Behav Pers 9(5):99–122, 1994.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Milligan, M.S., Neufeldt, A.H. The Myth of Asexuality: A Survey of Social and Empirical Evidence. Sexuality and Disability 19, 91–109 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010621705591
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010621705591