Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Over the past 20 years, what has become the predominant model used for sexuality and disability studies?

1. Biomedical model

2. Social model

3. Cognitive model

4. Ecological model

The correct answer is: Social model

The correct answer is the social model. This model emphasizes the importance of societal barriers and attitudes in determining the experiences of individuals with disabilities, particularly regarding their sexuality. It shifts the focus from an individual’s impairments to the societal context in which they live, advocating that society needs to change to accommodate diverse experiences and identities rather than placing the responsibility solely on the individual. In the context of sexuality and disability studies, the social model promotes a more inclusive understanding of relationships, sexual health, and personal agency, arguing that societal norms and stigma often limit the sexual expression and rights of individuals with disabilities. It acknowledges that barriers can be physical, social, and attitudinal, allowing for a broader understanding of the intersectionality of disability with gender, sexuality, and societal expectations. Other models, while relevant in certain contexts, do not capture this shift as effectively. The biomedical model primarily focuses on impairments and their treatment, which can inadvertently perpetuate stigma by viewing disability through a deficit lens. The cognitive model emphasizes mental processes and may overlook the broader societal implications affecting physical and emotional wellbeing. The ecological model considers individual and environmental factors but does not inherently address the specific dynamics of sexual identity and societal attitudes as comprehensively as the social model does.