The Experience of Military Sexual Trauma and Rehabilitation for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction

Abstract

It has been well documented that spinal cord injury injury/dysfunction (SCI/D) can have a substantial impact upon psychological functioning. The complications that are produced by such an event include an array of physical issues (e.g., incontinence, impotence) to social difficulties (e.g., social resource access). Originally, the rehabilitation treatment focused on the physical impairment and psychological effects on the individual. For example, literature on sexuality after injury has examined the areas of the sexual response cycle, reproductive functioning, sexual behavior, and adjustment. Today, as the professional's awareness of the incidence of sexual trauma increases, assessing the impact of trauma history is an important healthcare consideration. Within the VA Healthcare System, military sexual trauma history is routinely screened. The complexities of working with individuals with SCI/D and sexual trauma can be challenging as some may lack effective verbal and social skills necessary for resolving interpersonal conflicts and advocacy. A pragmatic clinical model to utilize social skills deficit training is described in conjunction with specific sexual trauma treatment, as a way of increasing effective working relationships to maximize rehabilitation potential.