The lived experience of sexual health and intimacy among men living with a spinal cord injury: The role of the recreational therapist

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2021.0238

Keywords:

sexual health, intimacy, spinal cord injury, recreational therapy

Abstract

Sexual health and intimacy take on a new meaning for men after sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI), biologically and psychologically. Yet, the majority of sexual health information provided during the rehabilitation process focuses on loss of muscle movement, erectile response, and orgasm with little therapeutic interventions focusing on intimacy, romantic relationships, and masculinity. This study employed semistructured interviews with seven men living with an SCI. The intent of this study was to better understand the lived experience of sexual health and intimacy among men living with an SCI. Phenomenological data analysis revealed three distinct themes: (1) clinical barriers, (2) internal barriers, and (3) intimacy with partner barriers concerning sexual health. The results from this study demonstrate a disconnect between the desire for sexual health and intimacy information and recreational therapy interventions.

Author Biographies

Jennifer A. Piatt, PhD, CTRS

Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana

Eric Knee, PhD

Assistant Professor, Health and Sport Sciences, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York

Clara Valentine

Undergraduate Student, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana

Lori Ann Eldridge, MS, CTRS

Doctoral Student, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana

Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH

Professor, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana

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Published

07/01/2021

How to Cite

Piatt, PhD, CTRS, J. A., Knee, PhD, E., Valentine, C., Eldridge, MS, CTRS, L. A., & Herbenick, PhD, MPH, D. (2021). The lived experience of sexual health and intimacy among men living with a spinal cord injury: The role of the recreational therapist. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 20(3), 21–34. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2021.0238

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