The Relationship between Perfectionism and Sexual Function in Infertile Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Psychology and Education, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.

2 M.Sc. of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology and Education, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

3 M.Sc. Student of Family Counseling, Islamic Azad University of Ghochan, Ghochan, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is accompanied by physical and psychosocial stress and perfectionism is accompanied by overly critical self and others' evaluations. So, these two factors may cause sexual disorders by increasing the stress. The main aim of this study was to determine the relationship between perfectionism and sexual function of infertile women in Mashhad, Iran.
Methods: This correlation-descriptive study was conducted in 2012 on 200 infertile women were selected by availability sampling method from infertility centers of Mashhad, Iran. Women were examined with multiple perfectionism scale (MPS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16, regression analysis and Pearson correlation tests. P value less than 0.001 was considered significant.
Results: The different aspects of perfectionism (self-oriented, other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism) had significant negative relationship with sexual function in infertile women (p<0.001); the more perfectionism make less sexual function in infertile women. In addition among of different aspects of perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism has more significant relationship with sexual function (p=0.014).
Conclusion: Different aspects of perfectionism, especially socially prescribed perfectionism lead infertile women to have more stress and the stress threatens women’s sexual function.

Keywords

References

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