Addressing Sexuality in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

This guide for professionals was created by Angelle M. Sander, Ph.D. and Kacey L. Maestas, Ph.D. in collaboration with the investigators of the TBI Model Systems Collaborative Project on Sexuality after TBI. Download the full PDF to find the following content:

• Common Sexual Problems after TBI
• Causes of Sexual Problems after TBI
• Addressing Sexuality in the Rehabilitation Setting
• Educating Patients and Family Members About Sexuality

Here is an excerpt of this guide:

Introduction

Sexual Functioning After Traumatic Brain Injury

Sexuality is an integral part of the human experience and contributes to overall quality of life. Unfortunately, research has shown that problems with sexual functioning are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Moreover, persons with TBI and their partners often receive minimal in‐ formation about potential changes in sexual functioning.

As rehabilitation professionals, it is important to address sexuality as part of a holistic treatment approach. Failure to address sexuality during rehabilitation may have a number of negative effects on persons with TBI and their intimate partners. For instance, unaddressed sexual problems can lead to emotional distress, low‐self‐esteem, and relationship conflict.

This brochure provides information and resources intended to help you effectively address sexuality in a rehabilitation setting, with the ultimate aim of improving the overall quality of care for persons with TBI.

To read the rest of Addressing Sexuality in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, click here.