‘Why can't I?’: an exploration of sexuality and identity among Canadian youth living with physical disabilities.

Sexuality, self-image and identity formation are significant topics for all adolescents, including those with physical disabilities. However, for youth living with physical limitations, these issues are often ignored or overshadowed by more immediate health concerns due to discomfort, anxiety, or a lack of information that parents and care providers may have regarding these potentially sensitive topics. The data for this paper are part of a qualitative study which explored the development and challenges associated with emergent sexuality, identity formation, and self-image among Canadian adolescents with physical disabilities. The findings from this study show that youth with physical disabilities face the same challenges related to identity, self-image, and social acceptance as their able-bodied peers. However, for adolescents with physical disabilities, many of these pertinent issues are often ignored or overlooked by the adults in their lives. Conducting in-depth, qualitative research with youth who have physical limitations about significant aspects of their psychosocial development is an important way to not only fill in the current knowledge gaps and widespread societal misconceptions related to these issues, but it also helps to respect and legitimize the sexual and emotional needs of young people living with physical disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]