Psychoeducational Group Therapy for sexual function and marital satisfaction in Iranian couples with sexual dysfunction disorder

Educational intervention on sexual satisfaction of Iranian men: application of the information, motivation and behavioral skills model

Background

Marital satisfaction plays a critical role in fostering healthy relationships between couples, with sexual satisfaction being a key determinant. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model on the sexual satisfaction of Iranian married men.

Materials and methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 100 married men in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received an online educational program, or the control group, which did not receive any structured education. The intervention utilized multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and interactive materials, to address three key domains: information, motivation, and behavioral skills related to sexual satisfaction. Data were collected through three validated instruments: the Sexual Health Questionnaire (based on the IMB model), the Male Sexual Function Scale, and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Scale. Assessments were conducted at baseline (pre-test) and 16 weeks after the intervention (post-test).

Results

Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group across all (IMB) model constructs and sexual satisfaction measures (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The educational intervention based on the (IMB) model, delivered through an online multimedia platform, was effective in enhancing sexual satisfaction among the participants. This highlights the value of theory-driven, digitally delivered health education programs in improving men's sexual health.

The prevalence of sexual problems in the divorced population and the prevalence of separation in populations with sexual problems: a meta-analysis

The prevalence of divorce has significantly increased in the world, and scattered studies reveal that one of the main causes of divorce is sexual problems. The present study aimed to review the existing studies on the prevalence of sexual problems in separated people such as divorce applicants and people separated due to sexual problems. Another aim of this study was to find the prevalence of separation in patients with diseases affecting sexual function. A wide range of articles were searched in electronic databases until 21 April, 2023. The studies on both sexual problems and separation were included. From among 4110 studies, the data of 14 studies were reviewed and meta-analyzed. The prevalence of sexual problems was found to be 47% (CI: 29-64%) in separated people, 43% (CI: 18-68%) in women, and 52% (CI: 25-79%) in men and the prevalence of separation was 16% (CI: 6-26%) in people with sexual problems, 27% (CI: 21-33%) in women, and 11% (CI: -1-23%) in men. Moreover, the prevalence of separation in patients with diseases affecting sexual function was 4% (CI: 2-6%), 2% (CI: 0-3%) in women, and 5% (CI: 2-8%) in men. A considerably high rate of separations could be attributed to sexual problems.

Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024)

INTRODUCTION

Sexual health concerns are common and significantly impact quality of life, but many people do not seek treatment due to embarrassment and other barriers. A biopsychosocial model of assessment and treatment acknowledges the biological, psychological, and social contributors to sexual difficulties and suggests that all these domains should be evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

This paper provides an overview of the major psychological factors contributing to sexual difficulties and offer an evidence-based approach for primary care clinicians to assess and treat these issues.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken focusing on articles published since the last consultation in 2016. The study findings were synthesized, critiqued, authors assigned a Grading of Recommendation as Weak or Strong following a year-long process of discussions among the committee. When a particular well-established psychological practice was not evaluated in the literature, we assigned an expert opinion recommendation.

RESULTS

Since the 2015 ICSM, there have been a number of high-quality trials of psychological treatments addressing sexual dysfunctions, as well as meta-analyses and systematic reviews. In some domains, there is strong evidence of psychological treatment, and primary care providers should be aware of such approaches and refer when appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper offers a practical guide for primary care clinicians to understand the psychological factors underlying sexual dysfunction and outlining what approaches may be appropriate for this clinician, and when the patient should be referred to a specialist. We emphasize an evidence-based approach to managing sexual dysfunctions in primary care, allowing for timely interventions. A comprehensive evaluation of biopsychosocial factors is recommended to personalize psychological interventions to overall context, including chronic diseases, mental health issues, and relationship conflicts. The initial assessment is key to developing an individualized intervention plan, which may include psychoeducation, referral for cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or couple therapy, and consideration of medical or digital health interventions.

Factors Contributing to Sexual Dysfunction in Female Schizophrenia Patients During Recovery: A Multifactorial Analysis

BACKGROUND

Female patients with schizophrenia may experience sexual dysfunction during the recovery period. Therefore, this study conducted a multifactorial analysis to identify factors impacting sexual dysfunction, aiming to aid in developing effective personalized intervention strategies and improving sexual function recovery in these patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included the clinical data from 261 female schizophrenia patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, diagnosed between February 2022 and March 2024. Based on the total Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores, the patients were divided into the female sexual dysfunction (FSD) group (n = 69) and the non-female sexual dysfunction (non-FSD) group (n = 192). The clinical data of these patients were evaluated using the FSFI, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Olson Marital Quality Questionnaire. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the factors influencing sexual dysfunction in these patients.

RESULTS

The FSD group exhibited significantly lower scores in sexual desire, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction than those in the non-FSD group (p < 0.001). Analysis revealed that menstrual status, reproductive history, and mental health status (anxiety and depression) were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction (p < 0.05). Furthermore, marital satisfaction, personality compatibility, spousal communication, conflict resolution methods, and sexual life were significantly linked to sexual dysfunction (p < 0.05). Additionally, childbirth (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.531, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.025-6.25, p = 0.044), marital satisfaction (OR = 0.886, 95% CI = 0.824-0.952, p = 0.001), conflict resolution methods (OR = 0.816, 95% CI = 0.743-0.897, p < 0.001), sexual life (OR = 0.929, 95% CI = 0.876-0.986, p = 0.016), anxiety (OR = 1.459, 95% CI = 1.231-1.729, p < 0.001), and depression (OR = 1.116, 95% CI = 1.008-1.236, p = 0.035) were found as independent influencing factors for sexual dysfunction in these patients during the recovery phase.

CONCLUSION

Childbirth, anxiety, depression, marital satisfaction, conflict resolution methods, and sexual life serve as independent influencing factors for sexual dysfunction in female schizophrenia patients during the recovery phase. Management approaches targeting these factors can significantly improve sexual dysfunction in this patient population.

Comparison of the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive-behavioral couple therapy on emotional self-regulation and couple burnout of self-assigned and court-referred incompatible couples

This study aimed to investigate the comparative effectiveness of enhanced cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (ECBCT) on emotional self-regulation and couple burnout in incompatible couples. The study hypothesizes that ECBCT is efficacious in emotional self-regulation and marital burnout of incompatible Iranian couples (self-assigned and court-referred) visiting counseling centers. Twenty-eight Iranian couples were divided into four groups (two self-assigned and court-referred experimental groups and two self-assigned and court-referred control groups) who were selected using the available sampling. The experimental groups were subjected to ECBCT, while the control groups received no therapy. Over time, there was an improvement in emotional self-regulation and marital burnout in experimental groups compared with control groups. This intervention was more efficacious for the self-assigned couples of the experimental group according to the Eta coefficient, which was 71 for emotional self-regulation and 66 for marital burnout. ECBCT helps couples improve their emotional self-regulation and couple burnout.

Efficacy of Neuromodulation Interventions for the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this review was to analyze the literature for the efficacy of neuromodulation interventions in treating both male and female sexual dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies were identified from PubMed, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Results were synthesized qualitatively without pooling owing to the heterogeneous nature of outcome assessments.

RESULTS

Overall findings from studies generally supported that neuromodulation interventions were associated with improvement in sexual function. Specific domains that improved in male patients included erectile function, desire, and satisfaction, whereas desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication, quality of "sex life," intercourse capability, and dyspareunia improved in female patients. Male ejaculation, orgasm, and intercourse capability were the only domains that continued to decline after the use of neuromodulation interventions, although this was only reported in one study.

CONCLUSION

Our review suggests that there may be promise and potential utility of neuromodulation in improving sexual dysfunction; however, further research is needed.

Comparison Between the Effect of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Model and Psychoeducational Counseling on Sexual Satisfaction and Contraception Method Used Under the Coercion of the Spouse in Iranian Women: A Randomized, Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

 Women play an essential role in maintaining the family's health, and family planning is part of women's and families' health. The couple's mutual understanding of family planning methods is essential in selecting contraception. Acceptance of and satisfaction with different contraception methods can impact sexual satisfaction. The present study aimed to compare the effect of the information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) model and psychoeducational counseling on sexual satisfaction and contraception methods of women referring to health centers in Kerman.

METHODS

 This trial was conducted on 81 women aged 18 to 45, in Kerman health centers, from 2021 to 2022. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups of 27 people (control, psychoeducational counseling, and IMB method). Three online counseling sessions were held for the psychoeducational group, and four were held for the IMB group. The control group received routine care. The IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis using nonparametric Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

 The mean age of participants was 32.59 ± 7.04, and the majority of them had university degrees and were homemakers. The mean sexual satisfaction score significantly increased immediately after the intervention and 1 month later in the 2 interventional groups (p < 0.0). Changes in contraception methods after intervention were significant in the psychoeducational group (p = 0.0) CONCLUSION:  The results indicate the positive impact of psychological counseling on women's sexual satisfaction and contraception method. The IMB method also impacted men's sexual satisfaction but did not lead to any changes in the contraceptive method.

The Effect of Psychological Interventions on Sexual and Marital Satisfaction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Sexual and marital satisfaction play an important role in the stability of couples' relationships, so it is necessary to take a proper approach to promote them. This study aimed to identify and categorize psychological interventions affecting sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction of women in Iran.

Methods

An electronic systematic review search was conducted using the Persian and English databases of SID, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Cochran library, and Google Scholar motor engine until 2021 to identify all relevant clinical trials and experimental and quasi-experimental studies assessing the effect of psychological interventions on sexual and marital satisfaction.

Results

Totally, we retrieved 528 studies from the previously mentioned databases, of which, 38 met the eligibility criteria. The subgroup meta-analysis of 4 studies conducted showed that interventions based on individual consultations increase sexual satisfaction (MD: 2.94, 95% CI: -0.36 to 6.24, P= .23), (I ² =30.83%). The subgroup meta-analysis of 10 studies conducted revealed that couple-based consultations increase marital satisfaction (MD: 5.93, 95% CI: -2.59 to 9.27, P=.95), (I ² = 0%).

Conclusion

The results of meta-analysis demonstrated the effect of counseling-based psychological interventions on increasing sexual and marital satisfaction of couples. However, further clinical trials are required before making a definitive conclusion.

Depression, sexual dysfunction, life satisfaction and marriage satisfaction in women with multiple sclerosis

Background

Marriage satisfaction is one of the factors that affects life satisfaction in healthy people and patients. In the current literature, it is found there is a positive correlation between marriage and life satisfaction. Many factors such as sexual dysfunction, depression and neurological disorders affect negatively marriage and life satisfactions. However, there is not enough research dealing with how multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women's marital and life satisfaction. This study aimed to examine marital satisfaction and life satisfaction of female patients with MS (pwMS) in relation to sexual dysfunction and depression. A total of 139 married women (MS Group: 81, Control Group: 58) were recruited in the study. Then both groups’ participants were requested to fill the relevant documentary; Demographic Information Form, Marital Life Scale (MLS), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Results

Regarding the percentages of the relevant parameters; it was examined that 60.96% of pwMS and 62.07% of control group have depression, respectively. In addition, 89.16% of pwMS and 86.21% of control group have sexual dysfunction, respectively. Furthermore, 55.52% of pwMS and 44.83% of control group have high life satisfaction, whereas 60.24% of pwMS and 56.90% of control group have high marriage satisfaction, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between marriage satisfaction and life satisfaction (p < 0.001) and there was a weak negative correlation between marriage satisfaction and sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). In addition, there were weak negative correlations between marriage satisfaction and depression level (p < 0.001) and between life satisfaction and sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, there was a weak negative correlation between life satisfaction and depression level (p < 0.001), whereas there was a weak positive correlation between depression level and sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). Finally, while there was no significant difference in the marriage satisfaction and sexual dysfunction between the groups in points of life satisfaction and depression level (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction and depression are important problems that affect women’s marriage and life satisfaction. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem for women, regardless of MS.

Efficacy of Online Psychoeducation and Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: Single Case Design

This case report of brief research communication utilized single case design aimed at studying the efficacy of online psychoeducation and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) on female sexual interest/arousal disorder. Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used for data collection. Findings of the study showed that client’s pretest and posttest results significantly differ after online psychoeducation and CBT; sexual arousal, sex drive (desire), vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and orgasm satisfaction significantly improved. Furthermore, significant improvement in the frequency of sexual relationship was found. Outcome of this study should guide clinical psychologists in the area of intervention for sexual disorder, especially among women. It should also serve as a reference material for women suffering with sexual dysfunction and serve as an encouragement not to die in silence but seek for professional help.

Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with hypoactive sexual desire: A pilot randomized study

BACKGROUND

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a very prevalent sexual problem, with limited options for treatment. Given that psychological factors are major contributors to the disorder, a therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be useful to treat HSDD.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of group CBT on women with HSDD.

METHOD

Clinical trial randomized study with 106 women diagnosed with HSDD, who were divided as follows: Group 1 (n = 53) underwent group CBT for 8-weeks, and Group 2 (n = 53), were put on a waiting list and used as a control group. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Quotient (FSQQ) at the initial interview and after 6-months. Mann Whitney test was used for group comparison.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

demographics, education, sexual history, FSQQ and its domains for sexual function assessment.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar characteristics regarding sexual response, self-image, and relationship with a partner at the initial interview. Women undergoing therapy showed significant improvement in sexual function when compared with the control group. The overall FSQQ result showed an average growth of 18.08 points (95% CI 12.87‒23.28) for the therapy group against a decrease of 0.83 points (95% CI 3.43‒1.77) for controls (p < 0.001). The five domains of the questionnaire also exhibited significant improvement in the therapy group: desire and interest (p = 0.003), foreplay (p = 0.003), excitation and tuning (p < 0.001), comfort (p < 0.001), and orgasm and satisfaction (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Group CBT was shown to be an effective tool for treating HSDD.

The effectiveness of sexual health group counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy on sexual satisfaction of newly married women

BACKGROUND

The beginning of a marital relationship is very important as a part of a family relationship, and it satisfies many mental and physical necessities in a safe environment and has a great impact on people's health. The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of sexual health counseling based on cognitive behavioral approach on satisfaction and excitability of newly married women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 50 newly married women who referred to the health center of Jiroft City. They randomly divided into the intervention and the control groups. All of the participants completed Linda Berg's Sexual Satisfaction Scale before intervention, 8 weeks after intervention and 4 weeks later (follow-up). The interventional group participated in CBT (8 sessions, 90 min), but the control group received routine counseling. In all tests, a significance level of 0.05 was considered. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Descriptive test, t-test, and repeated measure test used to analyze data.

RESULTS

In intervention group, sexual satisfaction was obtained 51.88 ± 12.27, 57.2 ± 12.88 and 62.76 ± 11.35 (P < 0.05) and in the control group was gotten 47.12 ± 9.6, 45.8 ± 8.07 and 43.48 ± 7.39 (P > 0.05) before intervention, 8 weeks after intervention and 4 weeks later (follow-up), respectively. In intervention group, sexual excitability was obtained 82.80 ± 17.24, 91.72 ± 13.07, and 99.28 ± 11.2 (P < 0.05) and in the control group was gotten 87.04 ± 12.99, 87.48 ± 11.64, and 81.96 ± 12.83 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that cognitive-behavioral counseling can help to improve the sexual satisfaction and excitability of the newly married and can be used to improve and promote women's sexual health.