The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy consultation on improving sexual satisfaction of women in reproductive age: A clinical trial study in Iran

Abstract

Background: Satisfaction with sex is a key element in satisfying marital life, and improves the quality of life. Based on Iranian culture, debate concerning women sexual activity may be considered as a cultural taboo, so sexual dissatisfaction should be taken into account as a warning factor may lead to a reduction in marital instability throughout life and need to be treated. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the sexual satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This controlled randomized study was conducted on the women who referred to the health centers of … in 2016. Forty eligible women participated in the study and randomly allocated based on computerized scheduling number table into mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and waiting list groups (number in each group = 20). The mindfulness group participated in two groups of 10 women in 8 counseling sessions with a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy approach to improving sexual satisfaction, and the waiting list group received routine sexual consultation in health care centers. Participants’ sexual satisfaction as main outcome was measured using Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline, 8 and 12 wks following treatment. Results: The maximum sexual satisfaction score of the Larson questionnaire was 125 and the scores of the mindfulness group before the intervention, at the 8th week and the 12th week were 69.55 ± 4.70, 108.25 ± 8.75 and 111.00 ± 8.45 and the waiting group were 66.70 ± 4.49, 60.80 ± 8.91 and 57.85 ± 9.33 respectively (p < 0/001).The results showed that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has increased the sexual satisfaction of women of reproductive age compared with the waiting list group. The total score of satisfaction due to conducting mindfulness technique in the mindfulness group at the 8thwk was 10.00±0.008 and at the 12thwk was 9.90±0.45 out of 10 (p=0.955). Conclusion: Results showed sexual dissatisfaction without appropriate psychological intervention would be increased and group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was effective and feasible in improvement of sexual satisfaction in women with low sexual satisfaction; and could be used in management and education of affected women. © 2019 Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research | Published by SPER Publication