Abstract
The psychosexual functioning of 47 men with spinal cord injury was studied using the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI). Subjects with paraplegia did not differ significantly from subjects with quadriplegia on any of the scales of the DSFI. Subject groups were then aggregated, and the means across DSFI scales were compared to the means of the non-disabled DSFI normative group. This comparison revealed significantly below-normal scores for subjects with spinal cord injury on the Body Image, Gender Role Definition, Experience, and Psychological Symptoms scales, as well as on a composite measure of sexual functioning, the Sexual Functioning Index. The meaning of these results is discussed, and implications for intervention are considered.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Tucker, S.J. (1980). The psychology of spinal cord injury: Patient staff interaction.Rehabilitation Literature, 41, 114–121.
Teal, J.C. & Athelstan, G.T. (1975). Sexuality and spinal cord injury: Some psychological considerations:Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 56, 264–268.
Willmuth, M.E., (1987). Sexuality ofter spinal cord injury: A critical review.Clinical Psychology Review, 7, 389–412.
Brockway, J.A., Steger, J.C., Berni, R., Ost, V.V., Williamson-Kirkland, T.E. & Peck, C.L. (1978). Effectiveness of a sex education and counseling program for spinal cord injured patients.Sexuality and Disability, 1, 127–136.
Cole, T.M., Chilgren, R. & Rosenberg, P. (1973). A new programme of sex education and counseling for spinal-cord injured adults and health care professionals.Paraplegia, 11, 111–124.
Romano, M.D. & Lassiter, R.E. (1972). Sexual counseling with the spinal cord injured.Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 53, 568–572.
Steger, J.C. & Brockway, J.A. (1980). Sexual enhancement in spinal cord injured patients: Behavioral group treatment.Sexuality and Disability, 3, 84–96.
Derogatis, L.R. (1980). Psychological assessment of psychosexual functioning.Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 3, 113–131.
Conte, H.R. (1986). Multivariate assessment of sexual dysfunction.Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 54, 149–157.
Weiss, D.L. (1985). Review of Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory. In J. Mitchell (Ed.). Ninth Mental Measurements Yearbook, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Singh, S.P. & Magner, T. (1975). Sex and self: The spinal-cord injured.Rehabilitation Literature, 36, 2–10.
Crewe, N.M. & Krause, J.S. (1987). Spinal Cord Injury: Psychological aspects. In B. Caplan (Ed.).Rehabilitation Psychology Desk Reference. Rockville, MD: Aspen.
Eisenberg, M.G. (1982). Disability as stigma. In M.G. Eisenberg, C. Criggins, & R.J. Duval (Eds.),Disabled People as Second-Class Citizens, New York: Springer.
Dell Fitting, M., Salisbury, S., Davies, N. & Mayclin, D.K. (1978). Self-concept and sexuality of spinal cord injured women.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 7, 143–156.
Duval, R.J. (1982). Psychological theories of physical disabilities. New perspectives. In M.G. Eisenberg, C. Griggins, & R.J. Duval (Eds.),Disabled People as Second-Class Citizens, New York: Springer.
Derogatis, L.R. & Melisaratos, N. (1979). The DSFI: A multidimensional measure of sexual functioning.Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 5, 244–281.
Farrow, J. (1990). Sexuality counseling with clients who have spinal cord injuries.Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 33, 251–259.
Turner, R.J. & McLean, P.D. (1989). Physical disability and psychological distress. Rehabilitation Psychology, 34, 225–242.
Gass, C. (1991). MMPI-2 interpretation and closed head injury. A correction factor.Psychological Assessment, 3, 27–31.
Taylor, G. (1970). Moderator-variable effect of personality-test item endorsements of physically disabled patients.Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 183–188.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Romeo, A.J., Wanlass, R. & Arenas, S. A profile of psychosexual functioning in males following spinal cord injury. Sex Disabil 11, 269–276 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102171
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01102171