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A National Survey on Intimate Relationships, Sexual Activity, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Adults with Physical and Mental Disabilities

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Abstract

This study provides an overview and a better understanding of how physical and mental disabilities are associated with intimate relationships, sexual activity, and sexual satisfaction. Data were drawn from a national survey study with 15,073 participants in Denmark aged between 26 and 65 of whom 4102 reported a physical disability and 1174 a mental disability. Participants with a disability (physical, mental, or both) reported significantly lower levels of sexual activity and satisfaction than participants without a disability. Participants with a mental disability or both a mental and physical disability reported the lowest levels of sexual activity and satisfaction. Further analysis showed that having a partner, being female, and of a younger age were associated with higher levels of sexual activity and satisfaction among participants with a disability (physical, mental, or both).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Freideriki Carmen Mamali, Madeleine Chapman, Christine M. Lehane & Jesper Dammeyer

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  1. Freideriki Carmen Mamali
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  2. Madeleine Chapman
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  3. Christine M. Lehane
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Mamali, F.C., Chapman, M., Lehane, C.M. et al. A National Survey on Intimate Relationships, Sexual Activity, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Adults with Physical and Mental Disabilities. Sex Disabil 38, 469–489 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-020-09645-0

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