title: Women with complete spinal cord injury: a phenomenological study of sexual experiences.
abstract: This study examines psychosocial, emotional, and relationship aspects of sexuality in the lives of 15 women who sustained complete spinal cord injury (SCI) between the levels of T6 and L2. Phenomenological interviews were organized to chronologically sequence events with the intention of describing the trajectory of sexuality in women with complete SCI. A set of themes emerged from postinjury data that were labeled cognitive-genital dissociation, sexual disenfranchisement, and sexual rediscovery. Broadening the scope of the research beyond the physiological offers insight as to the interplay between the mind and sexual response and guidance for educational and therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Sexual Health Network at SexualHealth.com, 3 Mayflower Lane, Shelton, CT 06484, USA. Mitch@sexualhealth.com
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Tepper
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Whipple
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Komisaruk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*