FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL FUNCTIONING IN WOMEN FOLLOWING SPINAL-CORD INJURY

Research into sexuality following spinal cord injury (SCI) has tended to concentrate on male experiences and the physical capabilities for s exual intercourse. The sexuality of women following SCI has only recen tly been addressed and studies are limited to small numbers and the us e of non-standardised measures. The present investigation utilised sta ndard measures of affective state and body satisfaction together with pre and post-injury questionnaire information of sexual dysfunction, f eelings about sex and importance of sexual activity in a group of 85 w omen with SCI. Sexual dysfunction increased significantly post-injury, whilst feelings about sex and it's importance were unaffected. Sexual dysfunction and the importance of sex were inversely correlated. Gene ral and Head satisfaction estimates were not significantly different t o control samples, whilst Body Satisfaction was increased for women wi th disabilities. None of the body satisfaction measures were related t o the sexual functioning measure. General dissatisfaction was associat ed depression. Both anxiety and depression were experienced by the sam e individuals, and anxiety related to current sexual dysfunction. Qual itative data supported previous findings concerning the effects of soc ial and attitudinal barriers on sexual functioning.