Intimacy and Sexuality During Illness and Loss

HFA’s publication, Intimacy and Sexuality During Illness and Loss, edited by Kenneth J. Doka and Amy S. Tucci, identifies barriers to intimacy and sexuality for terminally ill persons and the bereaved and the knowledge and skills professionals must have to sensitively address and suggest interventions to help meet these elemental human needs.

As contributing author John Cagle notes, “Despite a prevailing misperception that the latter stages of life are fraught with gloom and doom, many patients with life-limiting illness engage in humor, loving expressions, and physical connection. Loving relationships can be strengthened, even in the face of serious and life-limiting illness. Practitioners can work to facilitate social connections and family involvement for patients. Reframing the ‘dying’ experience as ‘living yet to do’ may serve to empower patients and families to engage in intimate conversations and affectionate activities.”