Effects of Cognitive - Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Vaginismus Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 M.Sc. of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Identification and study of humans' tendencies and sexual behaviors are the most important issues of public and particularly mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on women with vaginismus in Ahvaz city.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design was held on 30 women with vaginismus in Ahvaz city from 2007 to 2009. Samples with high-level of anxiety were randomly selected based on: Cattle Anxiety Inventory, Rozen Female Sexual Function Inventory and, clinical interview. They were divided into two groups of experiment (n=15) and control (n=15). The experiment group was participated in a Course of cognitive-behavioral method individually and in group for 12 sessions of 2 hours a week. The control group received no intervention. Collected data were analyzed by ANOVA and repeated measures analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: There was a significant difference between two groups in anxiety after the final session of intervention (p<0.001). Cognitive-behavioral methods significantly decreased the rate of anxiety in the experimental group in post-test stage and 12 months of follow-up (p<0.001). Also, 13 women of the experimental group were treated after one year follow-up period.
Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral methods decreased the anxiety and fear of sexual intercourse in women with vaginismus after termination of therapy sessions and after 12 month follow-up period.

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