Psychoeducational Group Therapy for sexual function and marital satisfaction in Iranian couples with sexual dysfunction disorder

BACKGROUND: Having sexual relations plays a very important role in the success and scope of procreation. Understanding sexual function can lead to sexual satisfaction and ultimately to marital satisfaction and reconciliation of spouses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational programme on sexual function and marital satisfaction of Iranian couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a semi-experimental pre-test and post-test study with control group. The statistical population included all couples diagnosed with sexual dysfunction referred to Bahar Consulting Center in Mashhad in 2019. A total of 40 individuals were randomly assigned to the two treatment conditions which were experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) forming two groups. The individuals assigned to experimental condition experienced a 10 session psychoeducational program and the control condition comprised of Treatment As Usual (TAU) which was based on medical and general counseling regime. The data collection tool was marital satisfaction and sexual function questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. RESULTS: there is a significant difference between the amount of sexual function and marital satisfaction before and after the test in experimental group (p < 0.01). The results of this study showed that Psychoeducational Group Therapy improved the sexual performance and improved marital satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Psychoeducational Group Therapy helps to increase marital satisfaction and sexual functioning of married couples. Therefore, this intervention is recommended as an effective program for improving marital satisfaction and sexual performance of couples. It can help to strengthen the foundation of the family.