Sexuality after spinal cord injury: A conceptual model based on women's narratives

Objective: To investigate how women experience and conceptualize their sexuality after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Research Method: Sernistructured interviews and member checks with 24 women with SCI (ages 18-67) were conducted and content analyzed. Results: A conceptual model of sexual domains is proposed. Proposed domains are self-versus other focus, genital versus whole-body focus, physical versus holistic intimacy, sexuality as bodily versus mental phenomenon, exuberance versus negativity, and past versus present focus. Domains are defined and illustrated with narrative excerpts. They are conceptualized as fluid and nonexclusive. Conclusion: Endorsement of domains can change through ongoing adjustment to injury and life events. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are provided.