A Mindfulness Psychoeducational Group Intervention Targeting Sexual Adjustment for Women with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The high prevalence of sexual difficulties experienced by women with a neurological disability, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury (SCI), is well documented in the literature. The link has also been established between sexual problems of this population and decreased quality of life. Despite the frequency of sexual difficulties and the importance of sexual health for persons with MS or SCI, sexual dysfunction is an area largely un-addressed in practice settings and there are surprisingly few intervention studies in this area. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of an existing, previously tested, group psychoeducational intervention in the population of women with neurological disabilities. Six women were recruited to participate in the psychoeducational sessions, which involved education, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Despite a very small sample size, this study suggests that this intervention may be beneficial for women with MS or SCI in improving sexual functioning (especially in the domains of sexual desire and arousal) and in being less judgmental of their inner experiences. Findings suggest a psychoeducational approach (including mindfulness) has the potential to positively influence sexual adjustment for women with MS and SCI.