Some Effects of Spinal Cord Lesions on Experienced Emotional Feelings

ABSTRACT In structured interviews, 26 adult males with spinal cord lesions at varying levels were asked to compare certain of their emotional feelings before and after injury. The investigator, himself a paraplegic, knew all subjects well. The major findings follow. Significant decreases in experienced feelings of anger, sexual excitement, fear, and an over‐all estimate of change were found. A significant increase in feelings of sentimentality was reported. Although spinal cord lesions decrease some emotional feelings, overt emotional behavior may continue to be displayed. Support was offered for the belief that disruption of the autonomic nervous system and its afferent return causes notable changes in experienced emotional feelings. A trend was noted which suggests that the more extensive the disruption, the greater the decrease in some emotional feelings.