Self-concept and sexuality of spinal cord injured women (original) (raw)

Abstract

Differences in perceived self-concept and sexual response before and after spinal cord injury were examined. Twenty-four women between the ages of 20 and 40 completed a questionnaire and participated in a brief taped interview. Most of the women viewed themselves as very or somewhat attractive and had been involved in a sexual relationship since injury. The majority viewed sexual relationships as very enjoyable, although many commented that changes in bowel and bladder function had inhibited sexual expression. The need for more effective sexual counseling was highlighted. A trend was noted for an interrelationship between sexuality and self-concept in adapting to acquired disability.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Spalding Hospital, 80218, Denver, Colorado, USA
   Melinda Dell Fitting M.A. (Staff Physical Therapist)
2. Jordan Valley School, 84121, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
   Susan Salisbury M.A. (Staff Physical Therapist)
3. Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, USA
   Norma H. Davies Ph.D. (Research Associate, Consultant)
4. Division of Physical Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, 94305, Stanford, California, USA
   Norma H. Davies Ph.D. (Research Associate, Consultant)
5. Institute for Medical Research, 95128, San Jose, California, USA
   Dan K. Mayclin Ph.D. (Rehabilitation Psychologist)

Authors

1. Melinda Dell Fitting M.A.
2. Susan Salisbury M.A.
3. Norma H. Davies Ph.D.
4. Dan K. Mayclin Ph.D.

Additional information

The present study is based on a research paper submitted by the first two authors in partial fulfillment for the Master of Arts in Physical Therapy at Stanford University School of Medicine.

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Fitting, M.D., Salisbury, S., Davies, N.H. et al. Self-concept and sexuality of spinal cord injured women.Arch Sex Behav 7, 143–156 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01542063

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• Issue date: March 1978
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01542063

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