Rapid treatment approach to human sexual inadequacy

Group treatment of sexual dysfunctions: a methodological review of the outcome literature

This paper reviewed 36 studies which examined the effects of the group format in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. The methodological evaluation was conducted within the following sections: subjects, therapists, treatment goals, group composition, time format, treatment, outcome measures and assessment times. Numerous methodological deficiencies were found, most notably the inadequate definitions of dysfunction and treatment success, the failure to control for therapist or expectancy factors, the failure to isolate the specific effects of different treatments, and an absence of control or comparison groups. The data tentatively suggest that a group format is effective in the treatment of female orgasmic dysfunction and secondary erectile dysfunction. Same-sex only groups and couples' groups promote comparable improvements. It is premature to make any conclusive statements regarding the relative efficacy of group and individual treatment formats. Future investigators should examine the specific and relative effects of the various treatment components and explore the potential therapeutic advantages of the group in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Clinical and research implications of the evaluation of women's group therapy for anorgasmia: a review

This paper reviews some important clinical and research implications of studies which have evaluated the effectiveness of short-term behavioral group therapy for anorgasmia. Though formal research data on curative factors is very sparse, the experience of sharing within a group, and the focus on arousal seem consistent with treatment outcome; however, the emphasis on assertiveness and the woman-only approach may have countertherapeutic as well as therapeutic effects. A potentially important intervening variable is the woman's level of ego development. The use of certain assessment scales and criteria for success of treatment are critiqued, and recommendations made for further study.

The impact of sex therapy on sexual behaviors and marital communication

The evaluation results of a short term intensive sex dysfunction workshop are presented. The evaluation research design involves before and after measures of sexual behaviors, sexual expectations, sexual communication, and marital communication. The results indicate that participants changed with regard to each of these variables. The workshop appears to impact couples in three ways: (1) there is a narrowing of the gap between actual and desired sexual behaviors, (2) there is improved sexual communication, and (3) there is improved marital communication. The results indicate that a combination of group instruction and individual therapy is an effective intervention technique in treating couples with sexual problems.

Participants' reactions to components of a rapid-treatment workshop for sexual dysfunction

As part of a follow-up evaluation participants in a short-term rapid-treatment program for sexual dysfunction were asked to respond to items soliciting their reactions to program procedures and exercises. These questions were not designed as the sole evaluative instrument for the work, but rather as an additional attempt to explore an important process variable--participants' attitudes toward treatment. This article includes a description of the intervention procedures and summary tablets of participants' reactions. Findings suggest that attitudinal information collected directly from participants can be valuable in evaluating and modifying the therapeutic process.

Treatment of sexual dysfunction: a review of outcome studies

Studies that have reported the outcome of treatment of various sexual dysfunctions are reviewed. While the number of published studies is limited, the results are remarkably consistent. By use of a variety of techniques, the prognosis for successful treatment of primary orgasmic dysfunction in women and premature ejaculation in men is quite good. The treatment of secondary or situational orgasmic dysfunction is more difficult and results in much lower success rates. Variables that affect treatment outcome and implications for future research and treatment are discussed.