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Sex Disabil (2007) 25:135139
DOI 10.1007/s11195-007-9044-x
ORIGINAL PAPER
Bridget Taylor Sally Davis
Published online: 11 July 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007
Abstract This paper discusses the limitations in the way that healthcare practitioners may use Annons PLISSIT model in meeting the sexual wellbeing needs of individuals with an acquired disability and presents the merits of the extended model, Ex-PLISSIT. Key features of this model include explicit Permission-giving as a core feature of each of the other stages, the requirement to review all interactions with patients, and the incorporation of reection as a means of increasing self-awareness by challenging assumptions.
Keywords Acquired disability Chronic illness PLISSIT Sexuality Sexual wellbeing
Introduction
Sexual wellbeing is a term that is beginning to be used more frequently to encompass sexuality and sexual health issues [1]. For individuals who have an acquired disability or chronic illness, issues relating to sexual wellbeing may include low self-esteem arising from loss of control over their lives and a change in their roles [2, 3]. They may not be able to resume sexual activity because of their impairments, or they may feel unattractive, unloved and not able to talk openly about their feelings [46]. Alternatively, they may have difculty with existing relationships or in establishing new ones [710]. The original PLISSIT model developed by Annon [11] has been widely used over the past 30 years by health care practitioners working to address the sexual wellbeing needs of individuals with acquired disability or chronic illness. The PLISSIT model sets out four levels of
B. Taylor (&) S. Davis
School of Health & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Marston, Oxford OX3 OFL, UKe-mail: [email protected]
B. Taylor
Yew Tree Cottage, Main St, Grove, Oxon OX12 7HX, UK
The Extended PLISSIT Model for Addressing the Sexual Wellbeing of Individuals with an Acquired Disability or Chronic Illness
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involvement that can be used to help healthcare practitioners identify their role in the assessment and evaluation of an individuals sexual wellbeing needs.
The acronym PLISSIT signies the four levels of intervention:
Permission (P)
Limited Information (LI)Specic Suggestions (SS)Intensive Therapy (IT)
According to Annon [11], most people experiencing sexual problems can resolve them if they are given Permission to be sexual, to desire...