The Sexual Rights of People with Physical and Psychical Disabilities: Attitudes of Italians and Socio-Demographic Factors Involved in Recognition and Denial

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyze the level of agreement of a sample of Italian people with some of the sexual rights (SRs) of people with physical and psychical disabilities (PwPHDs and PwPSYDs), to inquire if PwPSYDs were subject to less recognition than PwPHDs, and if socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, education, occupation, geographical origin, relational status, sexual orientation, and religiosity, associated with being against these SRs. The level of agreement or disagreement (on a 6-point Likert scale) with statements regarding the right of PwPHDs and PwPSYDs to have a satisfying sexuality, to marry, to adopt a child, was inquired with an online anonymous questionnaire. 973 participants, aged 18 – 84 years (71.1% females) were considered for analyses; At least 7 out of 10 participants declared in favor of the SRs of PwPHDs, while the SRs of PwPSYDs were always subjected to higher underrecognition. Religiosity almost invariably associated to being against the SRs of PwDs. Being male, of higher age and lower education also associated with lower recognition. A better identification of the less tolerant respondents and of the less recognized categories may allow for specific strategies for promoting the recognition of the SRs for PwDs.