An Analysis of the Attitudes of the General Public Towards the Sexuality of Individuals with Disabilities Through a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Individuals with disabilities face many misconceptions regarding their sexuality, the most common of which are that they are either asexual or unable to control themselves sexually. These misconceptions are present in members of the general public, parents of individuals with disabilities, and professionals who work with individuals with disabilities. This systematic literature review explores the extant literature on attitudes of the general public towards the sexuality of individuals with disabilities. Thirty-four articles were included in this systematic review, representing attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. Results were coded into three main themes: People with Disabilities as Sexual Beings, Factors Influencing Societal Attitudes, and Factors Related to the Sexuality of People with Disabilities. Topics such as sexual rights, sexual behavior, relationships, partner factors, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health, parenting, and stigma are addressed. Also addressed are the nine measures of attitudes towards sexuality and disability utilized studies included in the systematic review.