Dating and Relationship Psychoeducational Group for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction: A Historical Account of an Initial Clinical Course

Abstract

Numerous studies have examined sexual functioning among persons with paraplegia and quadriplegia. None have detailed a group skill model teaching social skills in the areas of dating and intimate relationships and little in the literature has focused on this important aspect of sexuality. A psychoeducational group for individuals with spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D) was developed to address social, dating, and relationship skills, as well as improve self-efficacy, confidence and quality of life. Seven male veterans with SCI/D, age 32–51, participated in a 12-week psychoeducational social skills training group that met weekly for 60 min. Sessions were structured to focus on one theme or set of skills, and homework was given at the end of each session. Participants answered pre and post questionnaires about their general well-being, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social skills in general and specific to dating and relationships. A 12-week follow-up session reviewed the constructs. All participants reported positive experiences in the group and improvement in targeted areas. A detailed outline of session topics, exercises and handouts are presented as well as pre and post feedback on functioning, knowledge and attitudes among group participants.