Spinal Cord Research Help
AboutCategoriesLatest ResearchContact
Subscribe
Spinal Cord Research Help

Making Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Accessible to Everyone. Simplified summaries of the latest research, designed for patients, caregivers and anybody who's interested.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
  • Latest Research
  • Disclaimer

Contact

  • Contact Us
© 2025 Spinal Cord Research Help

All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Spinal Cord Injury
  4. The contribution of bio-psycho-social dimensions on sexual satisfaction in people with spinal cord injury and their partners: an explorative study

The contribution of bio-psycho-social dimensions on sexual satisfaction in people with spinal cord injury and their partners: an explorative study

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00507-9 · Published: March 21, 2022

Spinal Cord InjuryUrologyHealthcare

Simple Explanation

This study explores factors influencing sexual satisfaction in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their partners, taking into account biological, psychological, and social aspects. The research found that coping strategies and relationship dynamics play a significant role in sexual satisfaction for both individuals with SCI and their partners. The findings suggest a tailored approach is needed in sexual rehabilitation programs, addressing the unique needs of both individuals with SCI and their partners within a holistic framework.

Study Duration
2017 to 2018
Participants
38 individuals (22 individuals with SCI and their partners)
Evidence Level
Cross-sectional explorative observational study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Women with SCI reported higher overall sexual satisfaction compared to men with SCI.
  • 2
    Couples who started their relationship after the SCI reported greater sexual satisfaction compared to couples who were together before the injury.
  • 3
    For individuals with SCI, sexual self-efficacy, level of education, satisfaction with partner before SCI and decreased sexual intercourse after SCI were predictive of sexual satisfaction, while chance/luck sexual control and sexual depression were found to be predictive in partners.

Research Summary

This study investigated the determinants of sexual satisfaction in individuals with SCI and their partners from a bio-psycho-social perspective. The results indicated that psycho-social factors, such as coping strategies and relationship dynamics, significantly influence sexual satisfaction in both groups, more than biological factors. The study emphasizes the need for tailored sexual rehabilitation programs that consider the unique needs and experiences of both individuals with SCI and their partners.

Practical Implications

Tailored Rehabilitation Programs

Sexual rehabilitation programs should be tailored to address the specific needs of individuals with SCI and their partners, considering psychological and social factors.

Promote Active Coping

Encourage active coping strategies and self-efficacy in individuals with SCI to improve their adaptation to changes in sexuality after injury.

Couple-Based Approach

Involve partners in the rehabilitation process to address relationship dynamics and promote shared responsibility for sexual adjustment.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Culture- and language-specific sample (Northern Italy)
  • 2
    Only heterosexual couples were included
  • 3
    MSSCQ was adapted to Italian without full standardization

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury