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Sexual Desire and Depression Following Spinal Cord Injury: Masculine Sexual Prowess as a Moderator

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Abstract

Men’s adherence to masculine norms stressing sexual prowess may contribute to their adjustment to changes in sexual functioning following spinal cord injury. The authors test this hypothesis by examining the moderating role of men’s conformity to gender norms for sexual prowess on the relationship between sexual desire and depression. One hundred and sixteen male citizens of the United States with spinal cord injuries were recruited for participation in the internet-based survey. Results indicated that participants with strong sexual desire evinced higher rates of depression when they conformed to masculine norms emphasizing sexual prowess. Men with little reported sexual desire, by contrast, demonstrated lower rates of depression when they endorsed norms for prowess. Directions for future research and treatment interventions are offered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard University Medical School, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Shaun Michael Burns, Sigmund Hough & Justin Hill

  2. Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA

    Briana L. Boyd

Authors
  1. Shaun Michael Burns
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  2. Sigmund Hough
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  3. Briana L. Boyd
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  4. Justin Hill
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Correspondence to Shaun Michael Burns.

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Michael Burns, S., Hough, S., Boyd, B.L. et al. Sexual Desire and Depression Following Spinal Cord Injury: Masculine Sexual Prowess as a Moderator. Sex Roles 61, 120–129 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-009-9615-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-009-9615-7

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