Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sexual Satisfaction Predicts Quality of Life: A Study of Adult Amputees

  • Published:
Sexuality and Disability Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Research provides ample evidence that limb amputation poses serious threats to psychological and psychosocial adjustment. However, very little is known about the effect of amputation on sexual activity. In this study, 77 amputees completed measures assessing a variety of amputation-related, functional status, and psychological variables. Satisfaction with one's sexual relationships with others predicted overall quality of life. Results are discussed in terms of implications for interventions aimed at improving adjustment to limb amputation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  1. Bradway JK, Malone JM, Racy J, Leal JM, Poole J. Psychological adaptation to amputation: An overview. Orthot Prosthet 1984; 38:46-50.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Goldberg RT. New trends in the rehabilitation of lower extremity amputees. Rehabil Lit 1984; 45:2-11.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Moore WS, Malone JM. Lower extremity amputation. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Pinzur MS, Graham G, Osterman H. Psychological testing in amputation rehabilitation. Clin Ortho 1988; 229:236-40.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Keyser JE. Diabetic wound healing and limb salvage in an outpatient wound care program. South Med J 1993; 86:311-7.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Reiber GE, Pecoraro, RE, Koopsell TD. Risk factors for amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus. Ann Intern Med 1992; 117:97-105.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Tomaszek J, Buckwalter J. Above-knee amputation in psychiatric inpatients. Am J Psychiatry 1983; 140:1036.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Apelqvist J, Larsson J, Agardh CD. Long-term prognosis for diabetic patients with foot ulcers. J Intern Med 1993; 233:485-91.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Stewart CPU, Jain AS, Ogston SA. Lower limb amputee survival. Prosthet Orthot Int 1992; 16:11-8.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Frank RG, Kashani JH, Kashani SA, Umlauf RL, Ashkanazi GS. Psychological response to amputation as a function of age and time since amputation. Br J Psychiatry, 1984; 144:493-7.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Parkes CM. Psychosocial transitions: Comparison between reactions to loss of a limb and loss of a spouse. Br J Psychiatry 1975; 127: 204-10.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Meyerson L. The social psychology of physical disability: 1948–1988. J Social Issues 1988; 44:173-88.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Cantor MG. Popular culture and the portrayal of women: Content and control. In: Hess BB, Ferree MM, eds. Analyzing gender: A handbook of social science research. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1987:190-214.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Christiaens M. “We do it normally, just like other people.” In: Dechesne BHH, Schellen, AM eds. Sexuality and handicap: Problems of motor handicapped people. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1986:183-217

    Google Scholar 

  15. Hartman C, MacIntosh B, Englehardt B. The neglected and forgotten sexual partner of the physically disabled. Soc Work 1983; 28:370-4.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Sandowski CL. Sexuality and the paraplegic. Rehabil Lit 1976; 37:322-7.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Sandowski CL. Responding to the sexual concerns of persons with disabilities. J Soc Work Human Sex 1993; 8:29-43.

    Google Scholar 

  18. DeHaan CB, Wallander JL. Self-concept, sexual knowledge and attitudes, and parental support in the sexual adjustment of women with early-and late-onset physical disability. Arch Sex Behavior 1988; 17:145-61.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Susman J. Disability, stigma and deviance. Soc Sci Med 1994; 38:15-22.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Schlesinger L. Chronic pain, intimacy, and sexuality: A qualitative study of women who live with pain. J Sex Res 1996; 33:249-56.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Phillips MJ. Damaged goods: Oral narratives of the experience of disability in American culture. Soc Sci Med 1990; 30:849-57.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Edmonson B. Disability and sexual adjustment. In: Van Hasselt VB, Strain PS, Hersen M, eds. Handbook of development and physical disabilities. New York: Pergamon Press, 1988:91-106

    Google Scholar 

  23. Katz J. Psychophysiological contributions to phantom limbs. Can J Psychiatry 1992; 37:282-98.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Lindesay JE. Multiple pain complaints in amputees. J Rehabil Soc Med 1985; 78:452-5.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Whipple B, Komisaruk, BR. Elevation of pain threshold by vaginal stimulation in women. Pain 1985; 21:357-67.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Schover LR, Jensen SB. Sexual problems in chronic illness: A comprehensive approach. New York: Guilford, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Buckwalter KC, Wernimont T, Buckwalter JA. Muscular-skeletal conditions and sexuality (part II). Sex Disability 1982; 5:195-207.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Conine, TA. Sexual rehabilitation: The roles of allied health professionals. In: Krueger DW, ed. Rehabilitation psychology: A comprehensive textbook. Rockville, MD: Aspen Publishers, 1984:81-7.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Williamson GM, Walters AS. Perceived impact of limb amputation on sexual activity: A study of adult amputees. J Sex Res 1996; 33:221-30.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Badeau D. Illness, disability, and aging. Sex Disability 1995; 13:219-37.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Cushman LA. Sexual counseling in a rehabilitation program: A patient perspective. J Rehabil 1988; 54:65-9.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Lewis CE. Sexual practices: Are physicians addressing the issues? J Gen Intern Med (Suppl) 1990; 5: S78-81.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Malloy GL, Herold ES. Factors relating to sexual counseling of physically disabled adults. J Sex Res 1988; 24:220-7.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Kashani JH, Frank RG, Kashani SR, Wonderlich SA, Reid J. Depression among amputees. J Clin Psychiatry 1983; 44: 256-8.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Pell JP, Donnan PT, Fowkes FGR, Ruckley CV. Quality of life following lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial disease. Eur J Vasc Surg 1993; 7:448-51.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Reinstein L, Ashley J, Miller K. Sexual adjustment after lower extremity amputation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1978; 59:501-4.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Duke University, Center for Aging and Human Development. Multidimensional functional assessment, the OARS methodology: A manual (2nd ed.). Durham, NC: Duke University, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Costa PT, McCrae RR. NEO PI-R professional manual: Revised NEO personality inventory and NEO five-factor inventory. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc., 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Cohen S, Mermelstein R, Kamarck T, Hoberman, HM. Measuring the functional components of social support. In: Sarason IG, Sarason BR, eds. Social support: Theory, research, and application. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Martinus Nijhoff, 1985:73-94.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Rybarczyk B, Nyenhuis DL, Nicholas JJ, Cash SM, Kaiser J. Body image, perceived social stigma, and the prediction of psychosocial adjustment to leg amputation. Rehabil Psychol 1995; 40:95-110.

    Google Scholar 

  41. McCabe MP, McDonald E, Deeks AA, Vowels LM, Cobain MJ. The impact of multiple sclerosis on sexuality and relationships. J Sex Res 1996; 33:241-8.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Mullan PB, Cole SS. Health care providers' perceptions of the vulnerability of persons with disabilities: Sociological frameworks and empirical analyses. Sex Disability 1991; 9:221-41.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Brown GK. A causal analysis of chronic pain and depression. J Abnorm Psychol 1990; 99:127-37.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Parmelee PA, Katz IR, Lawton, MP. The relation of pain to depression among institutionalized aged. J Gerontol 1991; 46:15-21.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Romano JM, Turner, JA. Chronic pain and depression: Does the evidence support a relationship? Psychol Bull 1985; 97:18-34.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Pitzele SK. Chronic illness, disability and sexuality in people older than fifty. Sex Disability 1995; 13:309-25.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Williamson GM, Schulz R, Bridges MW, Behan AM. Social and psychological factors in adjustment to limb amputation. J Soc Behav Pers 1994; 9:249-68.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Webster DC. Sex, lies, and stereotypes: Women and interstitial cystitis. J Sex Res 1996; 33:197-203.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA

    Andrew S. Walters

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

    Gail M. Williamson

Authors
  1. Andrew S. Walters
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gail M. Williamson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Walters, A.S., Williamson, G.M. Sexual Satisfaction Predicts Quality of Life: A Study of Adult Amputees. Sexuality and Disability 16, 103–115 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023028025712

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023028025712

Search

Navigation