Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Mariana D'Amico

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2022

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

Sexual activity is an occupation within the scope of occupational therapy. Few studies address sexual activity of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) from an occupational perspective. This study examines prevalence of sexual activity, interest, and satisfaction level for young adults with CP. It traces possible effects of sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship status on sexual activity, using a quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional research design. The study is based on 82 young adults with CP aged 18–39 with access to web-based communication. The researcher collected demographic information and data from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sexual Function and Satisfaction (SexFS) Version 2.0 via REDCap. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA to compare the effects of sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship status on levels of sexual interest and satisfaction. The results indicate young adults with CP identify more as LGBTQAI+ than the general population and engage in a range of sexual activities. Their mean scores for interest and satisfaction fall within the average range. Cisgender men have more interest in sexual activity than cisgender women, while cisgender women report greater levels of satisfaction. The researcher found no difference between straight and bisexual individuals. Individuals in a relationship expressed more interest and satisfaction than single individuals. Knowledge of diverse sexual activities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationships statuses of young adults with CP, and their interest and satisfaction levels, can help occupational therapists and other professionals become more attuned to the needs of these groups.

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Keywords

cerebral palsy ; occupational justice ; occupational science ; sexual activity ; sexual rights

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