Deafness and Human Sexuality: A Developmental Review

The literature on the psychosocial development of deaf children is reviewed as it pertains to human sexuality. Available research on sexual behavior in deaf adults is also discussed. It appears that many deaf children, while in need of sexual information and opportunities for affective development, are generally exposed to neither. Residential schools, for the most part, are doing a cursory job of sex education with unprepared teachers. Parents are limited by communication difficulties or other concerns and priorities. The emotional sequelae—marital difficulties, sexual dysfunction or unwanted pregnancies—are unsubstantiated but strongly suspected. Intervention programs are discussed at the conclusion of the article, with some recommendations for future directions in sex education.