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Sexual response in spinal cord injured adults: A review of the literature

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Abstract

The literature on sexual response in spinal cord injured (SCI) adults is reviewed and criticized. Principal characteristics of spinal cord injury are reviewed, and variables usually taken into account in studying sexual behavior in the SCI population are specified. Target behaviors of erection, ejaculation, attempts at intercourse, and male and female orgasm are isolated, and relevant data are reported. Attention is given to conceptual and methodological shortcomings of past research. Literature relevant to remediation of sexual problems in the SCI population is reported, and outcomes are noted. Future directions for research are indicated with particular emphasis placed on the appropriate utilization of psychophysiological techniques.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 11794, Stony Brook, New York, USA

    Glenn E. Higgins Jr.

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  1. Glenn E. Higgins Jr.
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This article is a condensed version of a chapter published inHandbook of Sex Therapy, LoPiccolo, J., and LoPiccolo, L. (eds.), Plenum, New York, 1978.

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Higgins, G.E. Sexual response in spinal cord injured adults: A review of the literature. Arch Sex Behav 8, 173–196 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01541237

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