The sexuality education program of the Massachusetts Statewide Head Injury Program

Journal/Book: Sex Disability. 1998; 16: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013-1578. Human Sci Press Inc. 11-19.

Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can create changes in a person's thinking and emotional self-control that can lead to unwanted and unsuccessful social behaviors. In some instances a person with a severe TBI may lose certain social abilities he or she may have once possessed, and might now show a lack of discretion or empathy or tact in their social behavior. Many individuals who were injured in childhood or adolescence might not have had sufficient opportunity to develop and refine adult socialization skills. These undeveloped, or diminished, social abilities are likely to affect an individual's sense of lovability and capability in terms of social and sexual relationships. Many persons with a TBI report a loss of pre-injury friendships, and increased loneliness and social isolation after an injury. Many individuals also report changes in their sexual drive, or sexual functioning, which additionally affect their ability to pursue intimate relationships, or successfully renegotiate changes in an existing intimate relationship. And yet, a person with a TBI will still experience normal human needs for closeness and affection, as well as normal sexual interests. Therefore, education and skill training and guidance are needed to assist the person with a TBI in making his or her best adjustment to these various changes and challenges. Also, some of the emotional and social challenges faced by the person with a TBI will be exhibited in his or her interactions with clinicians. So education and training is needed for staff as well in order for staff members to understand and respond to these behavioral concerns in an effective and skillful manner To meet these needs, the Massachusetts Statewide Head Injury Program implemented the Sexuality Education Program. This article describes the components of a comprehensive sexuality related staff training and client education program for a statewide network of residential and day treatment programs serving adults with TBI.

Note: Article Medlar T, 5 Taylor Way, Middleboro,MA 02346 USA

Keyword(s): sexuality; education; traumatic brain injury

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