The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Modes, Sexual Self-Concept, and Sexual Schemas in Women with Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder
Subject Areas :محمد سطلانی زاده 1 * , زهرا سمامی 2 , مریم قربانی 3
1 - استادیار، گروه روانشناسی، دانشگاه پیام نور، اصفهان، ایران
2 -
3 -
Keywords: cognitive behavioral therapy, sexual modes, sexual self-concept, sexual schemas, female sexual interest/arousal disorder,
Abstract :
Sexual desire is one of the main issues affecting people's personal and social life. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on sexual modes, sexual self-concept, and sexual schemas of women with female sexual interest/arousal disorder. To this end, in a semi-experimental study using a pre-test, post-test, and control group design, 30 married women with female sexual interest/arousal disorders were selected from treatment centers under the aegis of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences by convenient sampling method and were randomly assigned to the experimental (15 women) and control group (15 women). Subjects were evaluated before and after the intervention in terms of Multi-dimensional Sexual Self-concept Questionnaire (MSSCQ), Sexual Modes Questionnaire (SMQ), and Questionnaire of cognitive Schemas Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC). The experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy during 8 sessions. Covariance analysis showed a significant increase in the scores of sexual modes (lack of sexual feelings in the spouse and lack of erotic thoughts dimensions), positive sexual self-concept, sexual schemas (rejection, incompetence, self-worth, loneliness, and helplessness dimensions), and a significant decrease in the score of negative sexual self-concept in the women of the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The overall result of the research indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy influences sexual modes, sexual self-concept, and sexual schemas of women suffering from female sexual interest/arousal disorder and is recommended as an effective intervention for these patients.