Addressing the Impacts of Acquired Communication Disorders on Sexuality: Speech-Language Pathologists’ and Clinical Psychologists’ Beliefs and Practice Patterns

Abstract

Acquired communication disorders are prevalent, particularly for older adults and people in healthcare settings. They can have substantial impacts on sexual health and intimacy. Yet, it is not clear whether speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or clinical psychologists whether they are aware of the impacts of communication disorders on sexuality or whether they feel empowered to address them. This study surveyed clinical psychologists and SLPs to determine (a) whether either profession was addressing sexuality-related concerns consistently, (b) if they believed sexuality was important to their clients, (c) what they felt their role was in addressing this, (d) how much they believed communication disorders effected sexuality in comparison with other physical or psychological disorders, and (e) what barriers they found to addressing sexuality in their work. The results indicate that clinical psychologists and SLPs believe communication disorders can impact sexual health at similar rates to physical and psychological disorders, but they are not clear on what professionals should be addressing these effects. SLPs, particularly, are divided about whether this work is in their scope of practice. Implications for the accessibility of sexuality interventions for people with communication disorders are discussed.