Objectives:
To describe the development of romantic relationships and sexual
experiences of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and the physical
and emotional obstacles they experience with sexuality. Regarding the
ICF domains we investigated whether this development is associated with
demographic and physical characteristics, peer group activities and
dating and psychological and environmental factors. We compared the
romantic relationships and sexual experiences of this group with an
age-appropriate Dutch reference population.
Design: Prospective longitudinal study with three biannual assessments.
Setting: Eight rehabilitation centers and departments in the
southwestern regions of the Netherlands.
Participants: Young adults (N=103, 61 men, 42 women) with CP without
cognitive disabilities, ranging from 16 to 20 years old at the first
assessment, 82% Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-II.
Interventions: Not applicable.
Main outcome measures: sexual interest, romantic relationships and
sexual activity.
Results: During the four years, the sexual experience of the
participants increased significantly for all the sexual milestones
evaluated. Compared with an age-appropriate Dutch reference population,
young adults with CP participated at a lower level in romantic
relationships and sexual activities, but had an equal sexual interest at
the final assessment. Peer group activities and dating favored
development of romantic relationships and a sexual career. Age and gross
motor functioning explained 20% of the variance in experience with
intercourse. In addition, self-efficacy, self-esteem, sexual esteem and
perceived attractiveness contributed significantly to having current
romantic relationships and to intercourse experience.
Conclusions: Young ambulatory adults with CP had comparable sexual
interests and they had increasing experiences with romantic
relationships and sexual activities during the transition from late
adolescence to young adulthood. Social participation and aspects of a
positive self image were positively associated with romantic
relationships and sexual experiences.
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