Dyadic adjustment and the relationship between sexual self-consciousness and sexual dysfunction in individuals with spinal cord injuries: A descriptive study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2135732 · Published: January 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Mental Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores the connection between relationship satisfaction, self-awareness about sexuality, and sexual problems in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It also looks at how focusing too much on one's body affects sexual satisfaction. Researchers worked with 131 married individuals with SCI, assessing their relationship satisfaction, sexual self-consciousness, and sexual function using standard questionnaires. The study also considered factors like age, injury level, and whether they received sexual counseling. The study found that many individuals with SCI experience sexual problems. The study highlights the importance of good relationship adjustment in reducing sexual self-consciousness and dysfunction in this population.

Study Duration

February 2020 and April 2021

Participants

131 married individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Descriptive and cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Most individuals with spinal cord injuries experienced sexual dysfunction.
2
Increased age, falling injuries, and being in ASIA grade A increased sexual self-awareness and sexual dysfunction; and being a male with SCI increased sexual focus.
3
The adjustment between individuals with SCI and their spouses was a predictor that significantly reduced sexual embarrassment, sexual self-consciousness, and sexual dysfunction.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine the dyadic adjustment between individuals with SCI and their spouses, the relationship between their sexual self-consciousness and sexual life, and to evaluate it according to objectification theory. The results indicated that a significant percentage of individuals with SCI experience sexual dysfunction. Factors such as increased age, specific types of injuries, and the severity of the spinal cord injury were associated with increased sexual self-awareness and sexual dysfunction. The study emphasizes the importance of dyadic adjustment (relationship satisfaction) in mitigating sexual embarrassment, self-consciousness, and dysfunction among individuals with SCI. Strong couple adjustment appears to be a key factor in preventing the development of sexual dysfunction.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Healthcare providers should assess and address dyadic adjustment and sexual self-consciousness when treating individuals with SCI.

Therapeutic Interventions

Couple-based therapies and interventions focused on improving relationship satisfaction may be beneficial in improving sexual function and reducing sexual self-consciousness among individuals with SCI.

Future Research

Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms through which dyadic adjustment impacts sexual function and self-consciousness in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study sample was drawn from a single hospital, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
2
The cross-sectional design prevents drawing causal inferences about the relationship between dyadic adjustment, sexual self-consciousness, and sexual dysfunction.
3
The reliance on self-report measures may introduce bias.

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