Rehabilitation Aspects of Human Sexuality

The Western Journal of Medicine, 1983 · DOI: · Published: August 1, 1983

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The PLISSIT model is a program that combines education with intervention to include sexuality in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Sexuality is considered a health issue, like bowel, bladder, skin care, and other rehabilitation concerns. The program uses lectures, group sessions, films, and opportunities for sexual exploration in the hospital.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Spinal cord-injured persons

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Early intervention in sexual rehabilitation maximizes function and minimizes secondary complications.
2
The PLISSIT model provides a framework for differentiating problems needing brief vs. intensive therapy.
3
Staff attitudes significantly affect patients' willingness to address their sexuality.

Research Summary

An organized program of sexual rehabilitation has been developed for recently disabled persons integrating sex education, counseling and therapy techniques into the initial comprehensive rehabilitation plan for newly paraplegic and quadriplegic persons. The PLISSIT model provides four levels of approach to the treatment of sexual concerns: Permission (P), Limited Information (LI), Specific Suggestions (SS) and Intensive Therapy (IT). Acute spinal cord-injured patients will rarely be comfortable addressing the issue of their sexuality as long as the milieu they live in is uncomfortable about this topic or believes it is too early to address it.

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Rehabilitation

Sex therapy should be integrated into comprehensive rehabilitation programs alongside physical, occupational, and recreational therapy.

Early Intervention

Early intervention maximizes function and minimizes secondary complications related to sexual health.

Staff Training

Staff members should explore their own attitudes and comfort levels regarding sexuality to provide better support to patients.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of specific data on the effectiveness of the PLISSIT model.
2
Limited information on long-term outcomes.
3
The study does not address specific cultural or societal influences on sexual rehabilitation.

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