Sex in the spotlight: A qualitative, phenomenological study of the role of sexuality in the lives of persons with severe mental illness.

Sexuality and intimacy are fundamental elements of general well-being and
quality of life, including for individuals with an SMI. Nevertheless, wishes
regarding intimacy and sexuality often remain unfulfilled (McCann et al., 2019).
Due to the regular onset of the disorder during adolescence, the phase of life
in which the development of sexuality and romantic relationships is central, it
can be more complicated to enter into these relationships. In addition, the
risk of sexual problems also plays a role. This risk is 86-96% in people with,
for example, a psychotic vulnerability and is explained in 30-60% of the cases
by the use of antipsychotics (Cloutier, Francoeur, Samson, Ghostine, & Lecomte,
2020; De Jager et al., 2016).
From our observations in practice and by Voermans, Van, Peen, and Hengeveld
(2012), it has been found that sexuality is hardly discussed during the
treatment. Little or no attention seems to be paid to sexual development,
wishes and needs, partly due to the lack of sexuality as part of the treatment
plan, somatic screening, and reports. Shame among care providers seems to play
a major role in not discussing sexuality (Voermans et al., 2012).
Social relationships, intimacy, and sexuality should be discussed in the
counseling of persons with an SMI. Meaningful relationships stimulate the
client's recovery process and thus the quality of life (AKWA GGZ, 2018a).
At the moment little information is known about the experience of sexuality by
clients with an SMI. This research must start with a general exploration of the
subject.

This research aims to generate knowledge about the sexual experience of clients
with an SMI. Possibly the acquired knowledge can be used to create awareness
among care providers. The ultimate wish is to adapt the treatment to the sexual
experience of clients with an SMI and the problems they encounter in the field
of sexuality. This requires further research based on the results of this
study. This may lead to a follow-up question to investigate the problems and
treatment options within Arkin.

This qualitative research focuses on the experience of sexuality by persons
with an SMI. Phenomenological research has been chosen for this, in which
in-depth interviews will be conducted to gain insight into the experience of
the research population. This phenomenological study aims to understand the
lived experience of individuals with an SMI about sexuality and to gain insight
into underlying thoughts.

The interview may bring to mind difficult events or memories for the client. It
also costs the client time (estimated is 90 minutes in total).