Expectations of spontaneous sex and cerebral palsy

![CDATA[Introduction: In Western societies, there is a pervasive myth that sex should be spontaneous and that planning for sex is in a word – unsexy. This research investigates: 1) the ways in which people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy perceive the Western ‘myth of sexual spontaneity’; 2) the effect this perception has on their sexual self-concept, sense of desirability and body image; and 3) the myth as a possible contributing factor in the difficulty some people with cerebral palsy experience accessing sexual relationships. Findings from this study will convey a more precise understanding of how this myth affects the sexual lives of people with cerebral palsy. Methods: A qualitative methodology is indicated because the topic of inquiry has been minimally investigated and its key dimensions remain unidentified. A purposeful sampling strategy has been employed to recruit 8 women and 8 men with Cerebral Palsy who must be over the age of 18 and must have moderate to severe Cerebral Palsy. Data is being collected through two in-depth semi-structured interviews at a time, place and format (fact-to-face, telephone, email) of the participant’s choosing. Data will be analysed by identifying topics, substantive categories and themes within participant’s accounts in relation to the study’s objectives with the assistance of NVIVO software. Discussion: As this research is in its preliminary stages, themes that have arisen from the interviews conducted to date are subject to amendment. In regards to expectations of spontaneity in sexual relationships, participants indicate that because sexual expectations of normative sexual functioning make them feel undesirable their sexual esteem and body image are perceived negatively. As such hegemonic dating and courtship practices made the negotiation of sexual relationships a barrier to experiencing fulfilling sexual intimacy with others.]]