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Abstract

Background: Communication is critical to sexuality and sexual health. It is therefore reasonable to assume that acquired communication impairments would impact sexuality, but research is sparse. The research that does discuss these impacts can be difficult to find, as studies are spread across a wide variety of literature bases, and sexual topics are often combined with other concerns. Coupled with clinicians’ discomfort in addressing sexual issues, this leads to a lack of clinical support for patients’ sexual concerns.
Aims: This scoping review aimed to map and summarize the existing literature in sexuality and acquired communication impairments.
Methods: Six databases were searched: CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. To find studies from the literature on acquired communication impairments and their etiologies that addressed sexuality and communication, a combination of sexuality and communication impairment terms were used. A total of 97 articles met inclusion criteria.
Main Contribution: Across etiologies and literature bases, acquired communication impairments have been found to negatively affect sexuality. However, researchers rarely evaluate the nature of the communication impairment or its effects on sexuality directly. People with communication impairments are more often systematically excluded from acquired disability research on sexuality. Using the reviewed literature, we present recommendations for including sexuality-related topics in communication disorder research and including people with communication impairments in sexuality-related research. We also present recommendations for speech-language pathologists to begin incorporating sexuality-related topics in their clinical practice.
Conclusions: The effects of communication impairments on sexuality is insufficiently researched. The literature that does exist points to substantial impacts. This area of research deserves more concerted attention so that clinicians may have guidance and support in addressing the issue with their clients.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Wolford, L., Arratia, V., Behn, N. & Power, E. (2025). The impact of acquired communication impairments on sexuality and intimacy: A scoping review. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, which will be published in final form at onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14606984. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Publisher Keywords:	Sexuality, sexual health, aphasia, communication disorders, stroke, brain injury
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Language & Communication Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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