SEXUAL ADJUSTMENT AFTER SPINAL-CORD INJURY (SCI) FOCUSING ON PARTNER EXPERIENCES

In addition to the physical disability, a spinal cord injury affects s elf esteem and partner relationships. This study addressed partner exp eriences in relation to sexual interest, behaviour and satisfaction. A measure of satisfaction within relationships was also included. Forty -nine partners of SCI persons completed a comprehensive survey includi ng an 80 item questionnaire and a VAS quality-of-life measure. Partner ages ranged from 18 to 79 years (median 34 years). Thirty-nine partne rs were women and 10 partners were men. Significance testing of relati onships included bivariate, partial and multiple correlation procedure s. Sixty-one per cent of the partners appreciated the quality of their sexual relationship and most partners (84%) considered their relation ship overall to be satisfying. Half of the couples engaged in sex, wit h or without intercourse, once a week or more. Fifty-five per cent of the partners reported being content with the frequency of their sexual interaction while one third would have wished more frequent activity. Almost half of the partners (45%) considered their current sex life t o be as good as or even better than their previous sex life. High gene ral satisfaction with life, a varied repertoire of rewarding sexual ex pressions, including intercourse and concern about the able bodied par tner's sexual pleasure were positive predictors of an active and fulfi lling sexual relationship. From the partner's perspective, feelings of emotional closeness, mutual concerns and willingness to engage in a v ariety of sexual activities seem to be more important for sexual fulfi lment than the physiological aspects of sexuality.