Sexuality, identity and women with spinal cord injury

Parker, Malorie G., and Yau, Matthew K. (2012) Sexuality, identity and women with spinal cord injury. Sexuality and Disability, 30 (1). pp. 15-27.

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Abstract

Sexuality is an integral component of every individual’s identity. The literature offers limited information about the sexuality and sexual identity of women with spinal cord injury (SCI), beyond the physiological and neurological aspects. The qualitative study described in this paper aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of a small sample of adult women with SCI regarding their sexuality post-injury. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four women, which were audio-taped and then transcribed. Thematic analysis was adopted for analyzing the narrative data. Themes that were identified include: factors facilitating positive sexual adjustment, barriers to sexuality post-injury and lack of sexual education in the rehabilitation process. Women with SCI echoed the need to be recognized as sexual beings, despite disability. Health professionals must be willing to discuss issues of a sexual nature and need an understanding of how illness or disability may impact on sexuality, in order to adequately assist individuals with physical disabilities address sexual and intimacy issues.

Item ID: 19985
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1573-6717
Keywords: sexuality; sexual identity; qualitative study; physical disability; Australia
Funders: New Professionship Grant JCU
Projects and Grants: Sexuality & Sexual Health
Date Deposited: 15 May 2012 01:38
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111703 Care for Disabled @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9299 Other Health > 929999 Health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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