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ABSTRACT
Sexuality is an activity of daily living that plays an important part in an individual's life. Research has shown that sexuality and concerns with sexual participation after a disability can impact an individual's quality of life and self-esteem. As health care professionals, occupational therapy practitioners are well equipped to address sexual participation and sexuality with clients to maximize engagement and satisfaction. This article will explore the role of occupational therapy in addressing client concerns with sexual participation and sexuality while utilizing the Permission-Limited InformationSpecific Suggestions-Intensive Therapy (PLISSIT) model (Annon, 1976).
This CE Article was developed in collaboration with AOTA's Physical Disabilities Special Interest Section.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this article, you should be able to:
1. Identify treatment methods used to address sexuality and sexual participation
2. Identify and apply intervention appropriately based on the PLISSIT model
3. Identify the difference between the PLISSIT model and the Ex-PLISSIT model
4. Recognize the impact of the lived body experience on the effectiveness of treatment
5. Identify the components of the concept of therapeutic use of self that contribute to effective interventions
INTRODUCTION
Sexuality and sexual participation are common concerns for individuals with disability and chronic illnesses (Haboubi & Lincoln, 2003). Sexual participation and sexuality can be sources of "comfort, pleasure, and intimacy" for all individuals, including those with disability and chronic illness (McInnes, 2003, p. 264). Sexuality is an essential part of the whole person and can play a part in how we identify ourselves (Stuart & Sundeen, 1979). According to Hughes (2000), quality of life can be affected by disruptions to a person's sexual relationship. Sexual relationships contribute significantly to the quality of life of almost everyone (Filiberti et al., 1994). Occupational therapy entails client-centered and occupation-based interventions that maximize engagement and participation in meaningful activities of daily living (ADLs). The effects of an illness or disability on the ability to participate in sexual activity can be addressed with occupational therapy intervention. This article will focus on an evidence-based effective method of approaching sexuality with clients.
MULTI-FACETED CONCERNS
Many factors can affect the outcome of an intervention when addressing sexuality. Therapeutic use of self and the understanding of the lived body experience can improve the effectiveness of interventions addressing sexuality (Taylor, 2008). Both...