A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Sexual Skills Training (Masters & Johnson) and Sexual Mindfulness Training on Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Intimacy in Married Women

The effectiveness of metacognitive therapy on women's sexual self-expression and sexual satisfaction.

Sexual satisfaction, as one of the key indicators of marital satisfaction and mental health, plays a fundamental role in the stability of family relationships. Sexual self-expression also facilitates the ability of an individual to express sexual needs and desires and directly affects the quality of sexual experience. The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy on sexual self-expression and sexual satisfaction in women. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a follow-up period. The statistical population included all women referring to counseling centers in Sabzevar in 1401, and the sample included 45 people who were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 people in each group) and a control group (15 people). Data collection tools included the Hudson et al. (1981) Sexual Satisfaction Scale and the Snell, Bell, and Clark Spouses Sexual Self-expression Scale (1997). The results of multivariate analysis of variance and repeated measures analysis of variance showed that metacognitive therapy had a significant effect on increasing sexual self-expression and improving sexual satisfaction in women. The Bonferroni test also showed that the effects of treatment at the post-test and follow-up stages were significant compared to the pre-test and that the effectiveness of the interventions was maintained up to two months after the end of the intervention, although the difference between the post-test and follow-up was not significant.

Tele-Sexual Counseling Improved Sexual Function and Reduced Sexual Distress in Postpartum Women and Their Spouses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of tele-sexual counseling on sexual function and distress in postpartum couples. A total of 140 exclusively breastfeeding primiparous women and their spouses were recruited from health centers in Qazvin, Iran, between January and July 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which received five structured online couple-based counseling sessions via a social media platform, or a control group that received routine postpartum care. Sexual function and sexual distress were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at one- and two-month follow-ups using validated scales (FSFI-6, IIEF-5, and SDS-R). Women in the intervention group showed significant improvements in sexual function and reductions in distress across all follow-up points (p < 0.001). Men also demonstrated significant gains in sexual function and marked decreases in sexual distress (p < 0.001). The positive effects of the intervention were consistent over time and statistically significant. These findings suggest that tele-sexual counseling is an effective, accessible approach to improving postpartum sexual health in couples, particularly in contexts with limited access to in-person services. Incorporating such interventions into routine care may help address neglected relational and psychosexual challenges during the postpartum period.

The impact of couples’ sexual education based on social cognitive theory on women’s sexual self-efficacy during menopause; A quasi experimental study

Objective(s): Sexual function is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, social, psychological, and physical factors. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women is significant. Given that sexual self-efficacy is a key factor affecting sexual function, there is a need for an effective and sustainable intervention model. Additionally, involving spouses in educational sessions seems helpful. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of couples’ education based on social cognitive theory on postmenopausal women’s sexual self-efficacy. Methods: This study was a parallel quasi-experimental one. Participants included 70 couples, comprising postmenopausal women visiting six comprehensive health centers in Qom city. Convenience sampling was employed. Eligible postmenopausal women and their spouses were assigned to an intervention group (35 couples) that participated in training based on social cognitive theory, which consisted of six 90-minute sessions conducted weekly over six weeks. The control group (35 couples) attended a single session covering nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and blood pressure education. Data were collected through demographic information and a sexual self-efficacy questionnaire, which was administered exclusively to postmenopausal women before the intervention, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Results: Before the intervention, the mean sexual self-efficacy score was (51.07 ± 6.31) for the intervention group and (52.93 ± 5.48) for the control group, with no significant difference observed between them. Immediately after the intervention, the mean sexual self-efficacy score in the intervention group increased to (84.78 ± 5.30), while the control group scored (50.51 ± 6.02), indicating a significant difference between the two groups. Two months post-training, the mean sexual self-efficacy score for the intervention group rose to (95.14 ± 5.99), compared to (54.72 ± 5.86) for the control group, again showing a significant difference. The results indicated that the variables of time (P=0.01), group (P=0.007), and the interaction between time and group (P=0.001) demonstrated significant differences. Conclusion: The educational intervention based on social cognitive theory was effective in enhancing the sexual self-efficacy of postmenopausal women in Qom who participated in the training sessions with their husbands. After completing six training sessions, both immediately and two months later, there was a noticeable increase in the sexual self-efficacy of these women. Future studies are encouraged to evaluate sexual self-efficacy in men who undergo training alongside their spouses .

The effect of a self-management training based on the 5As model on the sexual satisfaction of Iranian women: A randomized clinical trial.

Implementing the 5As self-management intervention can improve women's sexual satisfaction; consequently, the use of this intervention model is recommended to health providers.

The effect of cognitive behavioral intervention on women’s sexual self-efficacy and marital satisfaction

DEEP Model (Differences, Emotional Sensitivities, External Stressors, Communication Patterns) Versus Sexual Health Empowerment on Sexual Function and Attitude Toward Condom Use Among Women Affected with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sexual dysfunction is a frequent consequence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), besides the possibility of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers, emphasizing the need for interventions involving couples' relationship management that address both individual and relational determinants of sexual well-being. This randomized clinical trial compared the DEEP model, grounded in differences, emotional sensitivities, external stressors, and communication patterns, with the Sexual Health Empowerment approach in improving sexual function and condom-use attitudes and behavior among women with HPV. Sixty-eight women were randomly assigned to the DEEP (n = 34) or empowerment (n = 34) group and attended eight online group counseling sessions. Sexual function scores increased from 16.09 ± 4.15 to 32.35 ± 3.50 at week 12 in the DEEP group and from 16.09 ± 4.74 to 25.30 ± 2.66 in the empowerment group. Time had a significant effect on sexual function, condom-use attitudes, and behavior in both groups (P < 0.001). Between-group differences were significant at post-intervention and follow-up for all outcomes (P < 0.001). The DEEP model produced greater and more sustained improvements, likely due to its focus on relational dynamics and partner engagement. These findings highlight the added value of couple-centered, relationship-based interventions in enhancing sexual function and protective behaviors among women with HPV.