The Vulcans Have It Right: Comparative Perceptions of Gender/Sexuality by Individuals With/Without Neuropsychological Disorders

• In Event: 082 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session I
  In Refereed Roundtable: A. Table 15. Gender and Sexuality

Abstract

Previous research has determined that gender identity, sexual orientation, experiences of courtship, and sexual behavior are constructed and communicated both verbally and non-verbally. Accordingly, it’s possible that individuals with disabilities affecting ability to communicate non-verbally could have unique understandings and experiences of gender and sexuality than those without disorders. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach along with grounded theory in order to compare the experiences of gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual experience of individuals with and without neuropsychological diagnosed disorders. A semi-structured interview protocol, designed to understand the experiences of the participants and their perceptions of gender and sexuality, was used. Respondents were also presented with five short videos designed to test their understanding of what sexually charged interpersonal communication might look like in the real world. The videos were designed to show interpersonal communication between a male and female, each with differing levels of flirtation. The data collected from interviews of 20 respondents indicates there was little difference in how they presented their own gender identity as well as how they determined others’. Atypical participants experienced more difficulty with communication and social interaction than the neuro-typical participants, leading them to experience social anxiety resulting in fear of communication, social interaction, and romantic relationships. There was a perceptible difference in sexual behavior and sexual experience. The participants with a learning disability had less romantic and sexual experience than those without disabilities and articulated trouble with romantic relationships and social anxiety resulting from the difficulties they have with interpreting interactions.

Authors

• Justine Egner, University of South Florida

• Patricia Maloney, Texas Tech University