Exploring perceptions of barriers to sex and intimacy in an inpatient intimacy recovery service

Abstract

This thesis explored service users’ and service providers’ perceptions of barriers to intimacy at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. The service under investigation was Our Place—a clinical service room clients can book for intimate activities. Study 1 provided an overview of utilization rates for Our Place and asked clients to identify barriers that impacted their pursuit of intimate needs. Analyses were performed to investigate whether alleviating barriers could increase clients’ interest in using Our Place. Study 2 asked staff to identify barriers that impacted their ability to support the intimate needs of clients and identify resources needed to overcome them. Analyses were undertaken to investigate whether alleviating barriers or developing skills predicted increases in service providers’ abilities to support clients. The results of both studies suggest alleviating barriers and providing further resources can increase clients’ interest in Our Place and employees’ abilities to support their intimacy needs.