TY - JOUR
T1 - Sexuality and Intimacy Rehabilitation for the Military Population
T2 - Case Series
AU - Ellis, Kathryn M.
AU - Nordstrom, Michelle J.
AU - Bach, Katherine E.
AU - Gover-Chamlou, Ametisse N.
AU - Messinger, Seth
AU - Isaacson, Brad
AU - Pasquina, Paul F.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, This is a U.S. government work and not under copyright protection in the U.S.; foreign copyright protection may apply.
PY - 2021/6
Y1 - 2021/6
N2 - Sexuality and intimacy are important aspects of life that are frequently compromised after severe injury or illness, yet these aspects are often overlooked by medical and rehabilitation professionals. This case series describes the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Three diverse clients with a range of physical, cognitive and emotional impairments were chosen to illustrate complexities of the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy Program at this MTF, and unique skills employed by Occupational Therapists. Consistent themes discovered include: perceived value of the program; appreciation of safe spaces to discuss personal topics; and enhanced awareness of role identity, body image, and emotional regulation. These cases illustrate that sexuality and intimacy interventions may have profound effects on injured service members, improving social reintegration, and quality of life.
AB - Sexuality and intimacy are important aspects of life that are frequently compromised after severe injury or illness, yet these aspects are often overlooked by medical and rehabilitation professionals. This case series describes the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Three diverse clients with a range of physical, cognitive and emotional impairments were chosen to illustrate complexities of the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy Program at this MTF, and unique skills employed by Occupational Therapists. Consistent themes discovered include: perceived value of the program; appreciation of safe spaces to discuss personal topics; and enhanced awareness of role identity, body image, and emotional regulation. These cases illustrate that sexuality and intimacy interventions may have profound effects on injured service members, improving social reintegration, and quality of life.
KW - Activities of daily living
KW - Military
KW - Occupational therapy
KW - Rehabilitation
KW - Sexuality
KW - United States
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85101296386&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11195-021-09680-5
DO - 10.1007/s11195-021-09680-5
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85101296386
SN - 0146-1044
VL - 39
SP - 231
EP - 243
JO - Sexuality and Disability
JF - Sexuality and Disability
IS - 2
ER -