A new programme of sex education and counselling for spinal cord injured adults and health care professionals

Abstract

A new programme in sex education and counselling for spinal cord injured adults and health care professionals has been described. The format of the 2-day desensitising-resensitising programme included exposure to a programmed assortment of explicit slides and films of sexual activity. Periodic small group discussions led by trained group leaders constituted the most important part. The results suggest that continued sexual interest, activity and satisfaction can be anticipated for many paraplegics and quadriplegics. An accepting, experimental attitude toward sexual activity promotes satisfaction with an interested and caring partner. However, many health professionals deliver inadequate sexual counselling to patients with spinal cord injury. This may add to the sum of the disabilities carried by the paraplegic and quadriplegic adult. © 1973 Nature Publishing Group.