Sexuality, body image, and self-esteem: the future after trauma

Traumatic injury can drastically change a person's body appearance and function. The author explores the effect traumatic injury has on a person's self-esteem, body image, and sexuality. The cyclical theory of development provides the framework for a review of two core human values--intimacy and sense of self--adults use to organize and reorganize their lives following a traumatic event. Implications for trauma nurses are included.