Margaret C Gibson, PhD, CPsych
Psychologist
Veterans Care Program
Parkwood Hospital Site
St. Joseph's Health Centre
London, Ontario
Sexual health is defined by the World Health Organization as the integration of the physical, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are positively enriching and that enhance personality, communication and love.1 Sexual health includes elements that are sensory, cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual, functional, relational, social, cultural and historical. It reflects our basic concepts of ourselves as male, female, man, woman, child, mother, father, partner, lover and friend. Sexual health includes overt sexual behaviours, but is about much more than behaviours alone. It is about who we are, about our connections to others with whom we share both basic evolutionary drives and the capacity for profound interpersonal bonds. Sexual health involves having a sense of comfort with the life course of one's own sexuality. It is an integral part of overall psychological well-being and quality of life.
