Unspoken Needs
Exploring Family Perspectives on the Sexuality of People with Disabilities
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22413480 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Suna Günal (Ankara University), Gülden Akın (0000-0002-7875-5898, Ankara University, corresponding author), Gulden Akin, Rifat Miser (Ankara University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication date | 2026-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sexuality and Disability (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0146-1044 • E-ISSN: 1573-6717 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11195-026-09948-8 |
| OpenAlex | W7165143854 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 30 |
This qualitative study explores family members’ attitudes, knowledge, and educational needs regarding the sexuality of people with disabilities (PwDs) in Turkey. Drawing on data from 100 adult relatives of disabled individuals aged 13 and above, the study employed content analysis of responses to a structured questionnaire. Most participants recognized the sexual development and needs of their disabled relatives, yet many expressed discomfort and uncertainty in addressing sexuality-related topics. This hesitancy was shaped by cultural taboos, conservative family values, and limited intergenerational dialogue—particularly salient in collectivist societies. Family-based sexuality education was generally confined to hygiene and safety, while complex issues such as masturbation, sexual abuse, and gender and sexual diversity were often overlooked. Attitudes toward romantic relationships and non-normative sexual expressions revealed tensions between traditional norms and evolving social discourses. Importantly, 83% of participants indicated a need for structured, state-supported sexuality education programs for families, with psychologists seen as the most trusted facilitators. The findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive, inclusive, and family-centered sexuality education, contributing to a growing body of international research in underexplored conservative contexts.
Collectivism · Diversity (politics) · Human sexuality · Qualitative research · Romance · Sexual behavior · Sexuality education · Disability Rights and Representation · Family and Disability Support Research · Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport
Sexuality and Disability
The Myth of Asexuality
A Quantitative Approach to Content Validity 1
Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed‐Mode Surveys
Barriers and Concerns in Providing Sex Education among Children with Intellectual Disabilities
An exploration of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of young multiethnic Muslim-majority society in Malaysia in relation to reproductive and premarital sexual practices
After the social model
Politically disabled
Sexual Esteem, Sexual Satisfaction, and Sexual Behavior Among People with Physical Disability
Young women's struggle for sexual agency
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |