The role of third-wave cognitive-behavioural factors on the sexual functioning of people with and without physical disabilities

ABSTRACT

The sexuality of people with disabilities is still poorly understood. Research has shown the role of mindfulness and self-compassion in promoting resilience, but little is known on the influence of these variables on sexual functioning in people who may experience physical disability. This study explored how mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance may predict sexual functioning of people with and without physical disability. A sample of 377 participants answered a survey (189 with a physical disability). Results showed that, regardless of the physical condition, self-compassion and acceptance were significant predictors of sexual functioning, but only for the male subsample (ΔR² = .093 and .031, ps < .05). Particularly, lower levels of isolation were significantly associated with better sexual functioning in men, above and beyond the effects of the impairment (β = .413, p < .001). Findings also showed moderating effects of physical condition for the association between male sexual functioning and self-kindness (ΔR² = .021, p = .038). This study sheds light into psychological mechanisms that may be equally or differently involved in the sexual functioning of people with and without physical disability, particularly for men. Findings suggest the importance of Third-Wave cognitive-behavioural strategies for sexual functioning and overall sexual health.

KEYWORDS:

• Acceptance
• mindfulness
• physical disabilities
• self-compassion
• sexual functioning

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Centro de Reabilitação Profissional de Gaia (Professional Rehabilitation Centre of Gaia), for the help in the recruitment procedures. We would also like to thank to all the institutions and associations that shared our study and helped us reach more participants. Finally, a special thank you to all the volunteers and their willingness in participating in the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the Portuguese Scientific Foundation for Science and Technology [grant: SFRH/BD/112168/2015]. The funding source had no influence in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of the data and writing of the report, nor the decision to submit the article for publication.

Notes on contributors

Raquel Pereira

Raquel Pereira, MD, is a psychologist, sexologist and a research member at the Research Group in Human Sexuality (SexLab) at the University of Porto. She is currently finishing her PhD project in the field of sexuality and disability.

Pedro M. Teixeira

Pedro M. Teixeira, PhD, is a psychologist and researcher at the School of Medicine of the University of Minho. His work spans across various topics from the disability studies, community health, statistics and review methodologies.

Pedro J. Nobre

Pedro J. Nobre, PhD, is a psychologist and professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto. He is the Coordinator of the Research Group in Human Sexuality (SexLab) and the Director of the Doctoral Programme in Human Sexuality at the University of Porto. He is the current President of the World Association of Sexual Health (WAS). His work covers different kinds of methodologies in the field of sex research, from experimental to clinical research, with topics such as sexual dysfunctions and sexual health. His focus is on the cognitive and emotional dimensions of sexual response.