Sexuality and occupational therapy in Ireland – a case of ambivalence?

Abstract

Purpose: To examine occupational therapists’ attitudes and beliefs towards addressing clients’ sexuality and sexual needs during everyday practice. Method: A cross-sectional internet based survey was conducted among a convenience sample (n = 120) of occupational therapists working in Ireland. Respondents’ perceived knowledge, awareness and confidence to address sexuality were examined. Respondents also reported current practice relating to addressing sexuality. Results: Sexuality although considered a legitimate area of practice was rarely addressed by occupational therapists. Participants reported low levels of awareness, knowledge and confidence relating to addressing client sexuality. Specific barriers identified by participants to addressing sexuality include lack of training, perceived lack of readiness of the client, client’s age and marital status, perceived appropriateness of sexuality for the client. Conclusion: Occupational therapists in Ireland appear to be ambivalent towards the inclusion of sexuality as part of practice. Current practice rarely includes clients’ sexual needs and appears to be influenced by a hetro-normative conservative discourse of sexuality. Additional training and education, which challenges current assumptions relating to sexuality, is required to ensure that the needs of people with illness and disability are met.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Occupational therapists in Ireland recognize that sexuality is within the scope of occupational therapy practice.

• In this study, the majority of occupational therapists reported that sexuality is not addressed during everyday practice.

• Occupational therapists in the study report low levels of awareness, knowledge or confidence in addressing sexuality with people with disabilities.

• Barriers to addressing sexuality in practice include lack of knowledge and training, fear of causing offence, perceived readiness of the client as well as the client’s age.

• Education and training for occupational therapists should focus on changing attitudes towards sexuality and people with disabilities as well as providing information on occupational therapy interventions in this area.

Keywords::

• Cross sectional design
• Ireland
• practice
• survey

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments and advice received from Mr. Dikaios Sakellariou and Ms. Aideen Gallagher on earlier versions of this article.

Declaration of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.