Sex-positive sexuality post-spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis

Blaze Ireland; Roxanna Nasseri Pebdani; Marita Heck; Asmita Mudholkar; Michèle Verdonck

doi:10.1037/rep0000573

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Sex-positive sexuality post-spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis

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Sex-positive sexuality post-spinal cord injury: A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis

Blaze Ireland, Roxanna Nasseri Pebdani, Marita Heck, Asmita Mudholkar and Michèle Verdonck

Rehabilitation Psychology, Vol.70(2), pp.182-193

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/rep0000573

PMID: 39052375

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Abstract

People with disability

Allied health and rehabilitation science

Ability and disability

Human

Psychosexual Behavior

Rehabilitation

Sexuality

Spinal Cord Injuries

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 Therapy
Roxanna Nasseri Pebdani (Corresponding Author) - The University of Sydney
Marita Heck (Author) - Griffith University
Asmita Mudholkar (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Michèle 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
PMID: 39052375
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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