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The Role of Clinical Neuropsychology in the Study of Sexuality and Disability

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Abstract

Human sexuality is the way people experience themselves and each other as sexual beings. Clinical neuropsychology is an area of psychology that specializes in the diagnostic assessment and treatment of patients with brain injury or neurocognitive deficit. Specific neuropsychological correlates of sexuality have been researched in the past, including sex differences in cognitive abilities and sexual orientation. Although some consistent differences between sex and sexual orientation have been found, the majority of these differences appear to be due to an interaction of biological predisposition and sociological factors. Additionally, neuropathological correlates of sexual disorders have been found and future research into the neuropsychological correlates of sexual offenders (i.e., rapists, child molesters) is warranted. Although neuropsychology has been peripherally involved in research concerning human sexuality, there is a more prominent role for clinical neuropsychologists who are uniquely trained to provide assistance in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual deviance and sexual dysfunction/disability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arizona Neurological Institute, 10474 W. Thunderbird Ave, Sun City, AZ, USA

    John W. DenBoer

  2. VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, USA

    Sigmund Hough

  3. Harvard University Medical School, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Sigmund Hough

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  1. John W. DenBoer
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  2. Sigmund Hough
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Correspondence to John W. DenBoer.

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DenBoer, J.W., Hough, S. The Role of Clinical Neuropsychology in the Study of Sexuality and Disability. Sex Disabil 28, 147–155 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-010-9163-7

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