Sexual Behaviors and Sexual Perceptions of Portuguese Adults with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to shed light on the sexual behaviors and sexual perceptions of people with physical disabilities living in Portugal. As a result, we adopted a mixed methods study, which utilized a descriptive approach to describe participants' sexual behaviors and a qualitative approach to assess their sexual perceptions. This study surveyed 36 people (mean age = 40.25 years, SD = 10.45), of whom 58.3% (n = 21) were male, almost 70% (n = 25) were single, and the vast majority self-identified as heterosexual. 58.3% (n = 21) of participants did not report partaking in any sexual interactions over the previous 6 months, and 27.8% (n = 10) of study participants claimed to have never had sex. Among those who had engaged in sexual activity during the previous six months, kissing, touching, and caressing (38.9%, n = 6), receiving erogenous zone stimulation (33.3%, n = 5) and performing oral sex (33.3%, n = 5) were the most frequently reported activities. Among sexually active participants who reported not having had sex in the previous 6 months (58.3%, n = 21), only 2 (9.5%) mentioned that they did not have sex because of personal attributes, such as not feeling attractive. The remaining 19 (90.5%) systematically reported a lack of opportunity or a lack of a partner to justify not engaging in any sexual activity. Results from the content analysis of 36 participants' responses revealed the following 9 recurring themes regarding sexual perceptions: the definitions of human sexuality, the positive and negative impact of sexuality on emotional well-being, sexual problems, obstacles to sexual expression, sexual expectations, positive coping/resilience and interactions with society. Finally, it is important to highlight this study's contributions to the demands of people with physical disabilities in Portugal to be seen as sexual citizens.