Occupational Therapists' Roles and Attitudes toward Sexual Habilitation of Chronically Ill and Disabled Children

Abstract

Normal progression through psychosexual stages in infancy and childhood has been recognized as a critical component in the shaping of one's personality and self concept. Long term hospitalization, institutionalization, and disability could deprive infants and children of the essential environmental and experiential elements for the development of sexuality. A sample of 37 occupational therapists who were involved in the care of chronically ill and disabled children in British Columbia were given a questionnaire related to specific tasks that promote the development of sexuality in infants and children. The results indicated that the majority of the therapists did not perform one or more of the tasks but believed that the tasks were important in occupational therapy. They indicated that their preparation for performing the tasks was inadequate. When asked who should primarily perform the tasks, their responses showed uncertainty. The therapists held positive attitudes toward sexual habilitation and considered it an important aspect of health care for which an appropriate content should be integrated into the basic curriculum in occupational therapy.