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Journal article
Sex-positive sexuality post-spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis
Rehabilitation Psychology, Vol.70(2), pp.182-193
2025
Abstract
Purpose/Objective: Many qualitative studies have focused on sex and spinal cord injury (SCI), often taking a deficit lens to interpretation and reporting. However, it is important to understand what can facilitate positive sexuality for people with SCI; therefore this study examines facilitators of sexuality for people with SCI. Research Method/Design: A systematic review and metasynthesis of 38 qualitative papers (published before February 2024) on sexuality for people with SCI was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thematic synthesis was conducted in three stages: line-by-line coding; the identification of common descriptive themes across papers; and the generation of novel analytical themes. Results: Thirty-eight eligible papers were analyzed. Thematic synthesis resulted in four common descriptive themes that were linked to positive sexuality: (a) being sexually active; (b) trying new and other ways of sexual expression; (c) having a positive relationship with a partner; and (d) peer support. These descriptive themes were interrelated and incorporated in two in-depth analytical themes: (a) redefining sexuality and (b) establishing a sexual identity. Conclusions/Implications: This study highlights facilitators to sexuality post-SCI. In order to maintain a sex-positive approach to sexuality rehabilitation for people with SCI, sexuality facilitators should remain at the forefront of sexual rehabilitation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)
Details
- Title
- Sex-positive sexuality post-spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis
- Authors
- Blaze Ireland (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyRoxanna Nasseri Pebdani (Corresponding Author) - The University of SydneyMarita Heck (Author) - Griffith UniversityAsmita Mudholkar (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyMichèle Verdonck (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Publication details
- Rehabilitation Psychology, Vol.70(2), pp.182-193
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1037/rep0000573
- ISSN
- 1939-1544; 0090-5550
- Copyright note
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). This license permits copying and redistributing the work in any medium or format, as well as adapting the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; School of Creative Industries - Legacy; School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991050998902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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