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Use of Sexually Explicit Films in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Programs

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Abstract

Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) seminars, popular in the 1970s for use in progressive spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation programs, have lost favor. The practice, however, of using only one sexually explicit film (SEF) as the primary method of providing sexuality education has taken its place. The use of SEFs is a sensitive teaching issue. Used “properly,” a SEF may facilitate a more receptive attitude toward sexuality and SCI. Used inappropriately, a SEF may result in adverse reactions. This paper reviews the theoretical rationale for using SEFs, the traditional use of SEFs in SARs that focus on attitudes and values, and empirical studies of the use of SEF. Recommendation is made for a paradigm shift from a general focus on changing attitudes and values to a more targeted focus on improving judgments of self-efficacy when using one SEF. Theoretical support is given based on observational learning and social cognitive theory.

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Tepper, M.S. Use of Sexually Explicit Films in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Programs. Sexuality and Disability 15, 167–181 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024732802558

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024732802558

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