Effect of mindfulness on sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction among Iranian postmenopausal women: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: Menopause with anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes can affect sexual satisfaction and consequently the quality of life. AIMS: The study sought to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based counseling on sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction among Iranian postmenopausal women. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 women who were assigned to an intervention group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 55). The intervention group received 8 sessions of mindfulness-based training and daily mindfulness exercises. Data collection tools included questionnaires of demographics and midwifery, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction. They were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed through a t test, a chi-square test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. OUTCOMES: Changes in sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The mindfulness-based intervention significantly improved sexual self-efficacy (F = 146.98, P = .000, (ƞ2) = 0.576) and sexual satisfaction (F = 129.47, P = .000, (ƞ2) = 0.545) over time. The mean scores of sexual self-efficacy (17.03 ± 2.08) and sexual satisfaction (87.94 ± 8.26) in the intervention group increased after the intervention as opposed to the mean scores of sexual self-efficacy (12.65 ± 1.70) and sexual satisfaction (76.61 ± 6.45) in the control group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mindfulness training can improve sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The intervention was implemented on a population of menopausal women in a culture in which the expression of sexual issues is taboo and has not been noticed in the past. The main limitation of this study was self-reporting, which may have affected the responses. The next limitation was the nonrandomized controlled design. Finally, the research sample included menopausal women who were heterosexual and married. Hence, the findings may not be generalizable to more diverse samples. In this study, psychological maladjustment or psychological distress was not analyzed. They should also be considered in future research. CONCLUSION: According to the results, it is advisable to employ mindfulness-based intervention in routine care, because it can improve different aspects of menopausal women’s life.