City Research Online

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 an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made. © 2025 The Author(s). International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
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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