Sexual Relationship Satisfaction Research Articles

Sexual Self Discrepancies, Sexual Satisfaction, and Relationship Satisfaction in a Cross-Sectional Sample of Women Who Experience Chronic Vaginal Pain during Sexual Intercourse.

One out of three women may suffer from chronic vaginal pain during intercourse, a complex health issue that leads to lasting psychological, sexual, emotional, and relational difficulties even after initial relief. Women who experience this pain condition may compare their sexual selves to the societal norm of being pain-free. Comparisons that do not align with one's actual sexual self result in sexual self-discrepancies and may cause emotional distress. Sexual self-discrepancies may hinder sexual and relationship satisfaction for women who experience chronic vaginal pain during sexual intercourse. This mixed-method study examined the sexual self-discrepancies women reported and the degree to which their sexual self-discrepancies were related to their sexual and relationship satisfaction. Results from this cross-sectional study showed that the majority of participants experienced sexual self-discrepancies and that they experienced a significant inverse correlation between sexual self-discrepancies and sexual satisfaction. In multivariate models, sex frequency was the strongest predictor of sexual satisfaction. There were no correlations between sexual self-discrepancies and relationship satisfaction. Future measurement research should examine the role of sex frequency in the experience of sexual satisfaction. Education on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain may aid women to cope with the negative impact of pain.

The Effect of Male Body Dissatisfaction on Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in the Presence of Pornography Use and Depression

There is a well-researched relationship between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, and recent literature has explored how body image impacts this relationship. The purpose of this study was to assess the degree to which the body dissatisfaction-sexual satisfaction-relationship satisfaction causal sequence varied at levels of pornography use and depression. Mechanical Turk data from a related study was used to explore three sets of hypotheses for the variables’ relationships. Surprising results prompted the exploration of a three-way interaction outside of the original hypotheses. The exploratory analysis revealed that the moderating impact of pornography use on the relationship between body dissatisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction depends on the level of depression. These findings carry important implications for research and clinical practice.

Sexual Sanctification and Relationship Satisfaction in Black Heterosexual Couples

This study examines dyadic data from 299 married and 242 cohabiting Black heterosexual couples in the United States (an understudied cross-section of the population) and assesses individual (actor) effects as well as couple (partner) effects of sexual sanctification and relationship satisfaction. Higher levels of sexual sanctification were associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction for women and men in the actor effects, but no significant associations were found in the partner effects for couples. Additionally, initial findings suggest that sexual sanctification may act as a relational protective factor for Black married and cohabiting couples. Implications for further research as well as practical applications for clergy, therapists, and practitioners working with Black heterosexual couples in sexual relationships are also discussed.

(056) The Association Between Disgust Sensitivity, Sexual Desire, Relationship Satisfaction in Finland

Abstract Introduction Disgust is a basic emotion directed towards certain objects to avoid harm (Angyal, 1941), mainly pathogens. Research, however, has proposed a heterogeneity of disgust beyond pathogen avoidance to generate the functional model, which proposed the functionally distinct domains of disgust: moral, pathogen, and sexual. This model proposes that sexual disgust is an avoidance of sexual contact with unfit partners that may yield unfit offspring (Tybur & de Vries, 2013), this may be due to other anxiety related disorders (Davey, 2011 and Troop et al., 2002) Objective This study focuses on the association between disgust sensitivity with sexual desire, and relationships satisfaction. Hypothesis: elevated levels of disgust sensitivity are negatively associated with sexual desire and relationship satisfaction. Methods Invitation letters were sent out to the registered Finnish population in the Finnish Central Population Registry to participate in a(n) (online) survey, 9,319 individuals responded to the invitation and completed the survey and agreed to participate in the research. The tools used in this study were Perceived Relationship Quality Component (PRQC), Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI), and the Three-Disgust Domain Scale (TDDS). Results The results indicate that the sexual desire and sexual disgust sensitivity, are negatively correlated, the relationship satisfaction correlations are positive except the men pathogen disgust which is a negative correlation between pathogen disgust sensitivity and relationship satisfaction. The correlation between the study variables indicated that among men and women sexual disgust is negatively correlated with sexual desire, and the correlation of relationship satisfaction and sexual disgust was positively correlated. Conclusions The results show the negative association of sexual disgust with sexual desire, but there is a positive relationship between sexual disgust and relationship satisfaction. Disclosure No.

(027) The Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abstract Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder in the digestive system that is defined by specific intestinal-gastric symptoms. A combination of psychological and organic causes are involved in its creation and continuation. A wide range of psychological disorders and personality traits have been reported in patients with irritable bowel syndrome; But one of the consequences and complications of this syndrome can be the effect on sexual performance. Objective In this study, the frequency of each of women's sexual dysfunction, including hypo active sexual desire and arousal disorder, orgasm dysfunction and pain during sex, and the level of satisfaction in sex were compared with the control group. The relationship between the severity of each of these sexual disorders and the severity of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome has been investigated. Methods In this study 300 patients with irritable bowel syndrome presentation has compared with control group by using FSFI (Female Sexual Function-Index) standard questionnaire which its validity and reliability were assessed and demographic questionnaire. Results Examining the dimensions of sexual desire in two groups showed that the frequency and intensity of sexual stimulation and satisfaction with it in women with irritable bowel syndrome is significantly lower than the control group. The number of orgasms and intensity of orgasm experienced and satisfaction with it in women with irritable bowel syndrome is significantly lower than in the control group. Examining the dimensions of sexual satisfaction in two groups showed that the level of closeness with a sexual partner in women with irritable bowel syndrome is significantly lower than in the control group. Based on the results, there is a significant relationship between the score of sexual pleasure and sexual satisfaction and the severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Conclusions The results of this research showed that symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can have significant effects on sexual performance and relationship satisfaction in women. Since women are exposed to more psychological stressors compared to men, and on the other hand, psychological factors can aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, the doctor's attention to sexual problems in women can improve the health and quality of life of affected patients. Disclosure No.

The Role of Ageist Sexual Stereotypes in the Network of Sexual Difficulties, Sex and Relationship Satisfaction Among Adults Aged 50+

ABSTRACT As people age, their sexual activity, including sexual and relationship satisfaction, may change due to the onset of health and sexual difficulties and the activation of internalized ageist sexual stereotypes. We studied whether ageist sexual stereotypes were relevant for the importance of sex for people aged 50+ and how sexual and relationship satisfaction are interlinked with health and sexual difficulties when ageist sexual stereotypes are considered. Data for the network analysis were collected from a sample of 897 Czechs and Slovaks aged 50–96 (52% men, mean age = 62.01). Two models were analyzed – with and without the inclusion of ageist sexual stereotypes. The findings indicated that ageist sexual stereotypes play an important role in the sexuality of women and men aged 50 + .The fewer ageist sexual stereotypes people had, the less sexual difficulties they reported and the more they perceived sex as important. The inclusion of stereotypes into the models, however, weakened the negative link between sexual difficulties and the importance of sex for both women and men. These findings show that the effect of ageist sexual stereotypes are likely complex in the sexual lives of people aged 50 +.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Psychosexual Intervention for Couples Post-allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can have a long-term impact on patients' sexual functioning and consequently, their relationship satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 5-session psychosexual intervention for HSCT survivors and their partners. To be eligible patients were required to be more than 3 months post-allogeneic HSCT. The intervention comprised 2 components: (1) A psychosexual education session exploring medical/behavioral treatment options for sexual dysfunction, delivered by a specialist nurse; (2) A 4-session Emotionally-Focused Therapy-based relationship education program for couples delivered by a clinical psychologist. Measures assessing relationship quality, sexual functioning, anxiety, and depression were administered pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was measured via participation rate, adherence and compliance with completing main measures. Acceptability of the intervention was assessed via patient/partner satisfaction surveys. Eight of 85 (9.4%) eligible patients and their partners participated in the study. Reasons for declining participation included: feeling uncomfortable due to sensitive nature of intervention; did not have any relationship/sexual function issues; and experiencing ongoing medical issues. Six of 8 couples (75%) attended at least 4 intervention sessions and 5 of 8 (62.5%) completed the main study measures post-intervention. Four couples reported that sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction was somewhat or much better post-intervention; 1 reported no change. Feasibility criteria were not met, with low enrolment rate, however the intervention was deemed acceptable. Couples who participated adhered to the intervention and considered it beneficial. Further strategies to identify and manage sexual concerns are required.

Sexual Function and Relationship Satisfaction Among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence

Sexual Function and Relationship Satisfaction Among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence

Sexual satisfaction predicts future changes in relationship satisfaction and sexual frequency: New insights from within-person associations over time

Considerable research demonstrates a positive association between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, but longitudinal evidence on the direction of this link remains inconclusive. To address this research gap, the present research provided a stringent test of the within-person associations between sexual and relationship satisfaction over time by analyzing 4-year longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of newlywed couples in the United States (N = 2,104). The results indicated that within-person changes in sexual satisfaction predicted future changes in relationship satisfaction, whereas changes in relationship satisfaction did not predict future changes in sexual satisfaction. These results remained consistent when accounting for changes in couples’ sexual frequency, which showed significant associations with sexual satisfaction but non-significant associations with relationship satisfaction over time. All associations were consistent across gender. Overall, the current findings inform theory and practice on the roles of sexual dynamics in shaping overall perceptions of intimate relationships.

Sexual Desire Emerges from Subjective Sexual Arousal, but the Connection Depends on Desire Type and Relationship Satisfaction

According to models of responsive sexual desire, desire emerges from sexual arousal. This study examined how sexual desire type (dyadic-partner, dyadic-other, solitary) and relationship satisfaction affect the connection between subjective sexual arousal (SSA) and desire. Women (N = 100; 27% with sexual interest/arousal disorder symptoms) reported SSA while viewing a sexual film. Solitary and dyadic responsive sexual desire were assessed immediately before and following the film (immediate desire) and three days later (delayed desire). SSA predicted higher immediate solitary desire. SSA also predicted higher immediate dyadic desire, and this link was stronger for those with higher relationship satisfaction; for those with low relationship satisfaction, SSA was unrelated. For delayed desire, SSA predicted higher dyadic-partner desire, regardless of relationship satisfaction. SSA also predicted higher dyadic-other desire, yet this association was stronger for those with low relationship satisfaction; for those with high relationship satisfaction, SSA was unrelated to dyadic-other desire. Findings support the theoretical premise that desire emerges from arousal, but that this connection is dependent upon additional factors, specifically the target and timing of desire and participants’ current relationship quality. Relationship satisfaction may affect the motivational value of sex with (and without) a current partner.

Romantic Attachment, Relationship Satisfaction, Internalized Sexual Stigma, and Motives for Parenthood in Italian Lesbian Women and Gay Men.

This study examines romantic attachment, internalized sexual stigma, relationship satisfaction, and motives for parenthood in a sample of 313 Italian lesbian women (47.9%) and gay men (52.1%) aged 18-71 years (M = 36.2; SD = 11.9) and in same-sex relationships. The following hypotheses were tested: that romantic attachment is positively correlated with internalized stigma and motives to not have children, while it is negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction; that relationship satisfaction is negatively correlated with internalized stigma and motives for parenthood; that internalized stigma is negatively correlated with motives for parenthood; and that relationship satisfaction mediates the relationships between romantic attachment and motives for parenthood and between internalized stigma and motives for parenthood. The results strongly support the hypotheses. Furthermore, the results indicate that the lesbian participants reported lower levels of avoidance and internalized stigma and higher levels of relationship satisfaction and motives to not have children, and the participants in civil unions reported lower levels of anxiety and internalized stigma and higher levels of relationship satisfaction and motives to not have children. Taken together, our findings contribute to the growing body of research on LG parenthood and may inform social policy and psychological support for LG individuals pursuing parenthood.

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Relationship Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of PTSD and Sexual-Related Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Research on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has consistently demonstrated the long-term effects of such abuse, not only on survivors’ development, but also on the nature and quality of their adult relationships, particularly romantic ones. In this study we examined the moderating role of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sexual-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (sexual-related PTSS) between CSA and relationship satisfaction. Survey data from 529 individuals who reported being currently in a romantic relationship were analyzed. In the first set of analyses, results demonstrated that participants with CSA reported significantly lower relationship satisfaction and significantly greater severity of PTSD and sexual-related PTSS than participants without CSA. Sexual-related PTSS but not PTSD moderated the association between CSA and participants’ relationship satisfaction, with the model of sexual-related PTSS explaining 20.8% of the variance in relationship satisfaction and the model of PTSD explaining 11.3% of this variance. In the second set of analyses conducted among survivors of CSA only, higher sexual-related PTSS severity was linked with ongoing abuse and with abuse by a non-family member. This study points to the potential contribution made by sexual-related PTSS to relationship satisfaction among survivors of CSA.

A Smartphone-Delivered Program (Anathema) to Promote the Sexual Health of Older Adults, Colorectal Cancer Survivors, and Stroke Survivors: Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Despite the prevalence of sexual distress and dysfunction in older adults in general and stroke and colorectal cancer survivors in particular, access to specialized care is limited by organizational barriers and stigma, embarrassment, and discrimination. The internet allows reaching services that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach, and as smartphones are personal (intimate) technologies, they are a promising vehicle to close this gap. However, research focusing on smartphone-delivered sexual health promotion programs is scarce. This study aims to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of Anathema, an 8-week, iOS/Android smartphone-delivered, individually tailored, cognitive-behavioral sexual health promotion program developed to improve relationship and sexual satisfaction, sexual functioning, sexual distress, sexual pleasure, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults, colorectal cancer survivors, and stroke survivors compared to treatment as usual in a waiting-list control condition. Two-arm, parallel, open-label, waiting list, feasibility, pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be conducted involving older adults, stroke survivors, and colorectal cancer survivors. The primary outcomes are the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Anathema. Sexual function, relationship and sexual satisfaction, sexual pleasure, sexual distress, anxiety, depression, and HRQoL are the secondary outcomes. This study has been reviewed and approved by the ethics committees of Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Europacolon Portugal, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, and Sigmund Freud University (approval numbers: CES218R/021, CES19/023, and 2022/01-05b). This project is funded by the European Commission through the Active and Assisted Living (AAL) Programme (reference: AAL-2020-7-133-CP) from April 2021 to December 2023. Recruitment for the pilot RCTs started on January 2023 in Portugal, Austria, and the Netherlands and is currently ongoing. As of May 2023, we randomized 49 participants in the trials. We expect to complete the RCTs in September 2023. The results on the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of Anathema are expected in the second semester of 2023. We expect Anathema to be highly accepted by the populations under study; to prove feasible to scale up to parent RCTs; and to be potentially efficacious in improving sexual functioning, relationship and sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, sexual pleasure, and HRQoL in older adults, colorectal cancer survivors, and stroke survivors compared to treatment as usual in a waiting-list control condition. The study results will be published in open-access venues according to COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) and CONSORT EHEALTH (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials of Electronic and Mobile Health Applications and Online Telehealth) guidelines. The study results will inform the refinement and scale-up of Anathema. Anathema's wider-scale implementation can potentially promote the sexual health of largely neglected user groups such as older adults, colorectal cancer survivors, and stroke survivors. DERR1-10.2196/46734.

The way you make me feel: an ecological momentary assessment study on couple similarity in sexual arousal and its sexual, relational, and affective correlates.

Although sexual arousal is commonly experienced in the daily context of relationships, most of what we know about sexual arousal comes from studies on individuals, often conducted in a laboratory context. To explore to what extent similarity in levels of sexual arousal during nongenital physical intimacy (ie, cuddling and kissing) was associated with each partner's affect as well as sexual and relationship satisfaction. Ninety-four cohabitating couples (mean ± SD age,26.30 ± 7.60; 88 mixed gender, 6 same gender) completed 6 ecological momentary assessments a day for 10 consecutive days. We used response surface analysis to examine the associations among the degree and direction of similarity in partners' sexual arousal and affective, sexual, and relational outcome variables. Sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and positive and negative affect. Sexual arousal levels covaried only when partners engaged in physically intimate behaviors, unlike affective responses, which covaried within couples more globally over time. Within-couple similarity at high levels of sexual arousal was positively associated with women's sexual satisfaction but unrelated to men and women's relationship satisfaction and affect. Individual- and couple-level sexual arousal was positively associated with men's sexual satisfaction and women's sexual and relationship satisfaction. Couple-level sexual arousal was relevant to men's affect such that positive affect was higher when sexual arousal levels within the couple were high. Our analyses also revealed a discrepancy effect in that women's positive affect was higher when their own sexual arousal levels were higher than those of their partners. These findings suggest that as long as sexual arousal levels within a couple are sufficiently high, sexual arousal similarity and discrepancy can be beneficial to one's well-being, supporting the relevance of therapeutical techniques aimed at increasing arousal levels to promote a better affective and relational climate for couples. This study is the first to test the daily associations among sexual arousal similarity and its correlates in a sample of cohabitating couples, providing a more comprehensive view of the interpersonal dynamics through which sexual arousal may influence individual, relational, and sexual well-being. Given our sample's relatively young age, as well as high sexual and relationship satisfaction, the results may not generalize to couples experiencing sexual or relational distress. Within the context of daily relationships, individual- and couple-level dynamics of sexual arousal were associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction, as well as with affective responses of relationship partners.

Self-reported reasons for having difficulty reaching orgasm in men with diverse etiologies

Abstract Background Difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex, a primary characteristic of delayed or absent ejaculation, affects about 5% to 10% of men, but the reasons underlying this problem are poorly understood. Aim The study sought to gain insight into possible etiologies of delayed ejaculation by assessing men’s self-perceptions as to why they experience difficulty reaching orgasm. Methods We drew 351 men reporting moderately severe to severe difficulty reaching orgasm during partnered sex from a sample of over 3000 respondents obtained through an online survey. As part of the 55-item survey, participants responded to 2 questions asking about their self-perceived reasons for having difficulty reaching orgasm and selected from a list of 14 options derived from the research literature, a series of men’s focus groups, and expert opinion. The first question allowed respondents to select all the reasons that they felt contributed to the problem, the second to select only the most important reason. In addition, both men with and without comorbid erectile dysfunction were investigated and compared. Outcomes Hierarchical ordering of men’s self-pereceived reasons for having difficulty reaching orgasm, including typal reasons established through principal component analysis. Results The major reasons for difficulty were related to anxiety/distress and lack of adequate stimulation, with relationship and other factors endorsed with lower frequency. Further exploration using principal components analysis identified 5 typal reasons, in descending order of frequency: anxiety/distress (41%), inadequate stimulation (23%), low arousal (18%), medical issues (9%), and partner issues (8%). Few differences emerged between men with and without comorbid ED other than ones related to erectile problems, such as higher level of endorsement of medical issues. Typal reasons showed correlations, albeit mostly weak, with a number of covariates, including sexual relationship satisfaction, frequency of partnered sex, and frequency of masturbation. Clinical Implications Until supplemental medical treatments for delayed ejaculation are developed and approved, a number of men’s purported reasons for difficult or absent ejaculation/orgasm—anxiety/distress, inadequate stimulation, low arousal, relationship issues—fall into areas that can be addressed in couples counseling by a trained sex therapist. Strengths and Limitations This study is unique in scope and robust in sample size. Drawbacks include those associated with online surveys, including possible bias in sample selection, limitation to Western-based samples, and the lack of differentiation between men with lifelong and acquired difficulty. Conclusion Men who have difficulty reaching ejaculation/orgasm identify putative reasons for their problem, ranging from anxiety/stress, inadequate stimulation, and low arousal to partner issues and medical reasons.

The Efficacy of Injection Penile Girth Enhancement as an Option for Small Penis Syndrome Management.

In recent years aesthetic injection techniques using soft tissue fillers are becoming popular worldwide due to their effectiveness, safety, and low cost. There is no standard approach for the management and follow-up of patients seeking penile enlargement procedures described in the literature and the surgical penile enlargement methods are also controversial. To assess the effect of injection penile girth enlargement on sexual relationship satisfaction, confidence, self-esteem, and to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of this procedure for the management of men with small penis syndrome (SPS). This is a single-center, clinical case series study executed from January 2019 to February 2021, that involved 148 men who were unsatisfied with the shape of their normal-sized penises and requested penis girth correction. A total of 132 patients completed full treatment and follow-up. Mean girth enlargement was 1.7 ± 0.32 cm for the mid-shaft and 1.5 ± 0.32 cm for the glans of the penis. Satisfaction with sexual life improved. Mean scores increased by 17.9 ± 3.04 points for the sexual relationship and by 12.2 ± 3.17 points for the confidence. The self-esteem mean score raised by 8 ± 2.8 and by 4.3 ± 0.97 points for the overall relationship. Penile enlargement with hyaluronic acid (HA) injection positively affects sexual relationship satisfaction, confidence, and self-esteem of men with SPS. But the rate of psychosocial improvement does not correlate with penile size changes. It is a simple, safe, and effective technique that can be used in daily clinical practice.

“It happens to everyone” vs. “You’re not a real man”: The relationship between intimate communication and men’s sexual difficulties

Sexual difficulties can have negative intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences on both members of a couple, but little is known about how communication in a relationship relates to men’s experience of sexual difficulties. We explored the associations among components of intimate communication, men’s sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction in a sample of men in mixed-gender and same-gender relationships (n = 341). Among all components of intimate communication, sexual communication was most consistently related to indicators of sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. Results generally remained consistent across mixed-gender and same-gender couples, with some exceptions relevant to sexual difficulties.

Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of sexual dysfunction in couples using a biopsychosocial model.

Given the complexity of the psychological and biological pathologies associated with sexual dysfunction, which affects at least a third of adult women and men worldwide, a multidisciplinary approach has been advocated. To assess sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and mood stability pre- and post- treatmentat the Loyola University Sexual Wellness Program. Couples attending the 6-week multidisciplinary Sexual Wellness Program provided consent and completed pre- and post- interventionassessments. Linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the mean change from baseline to first follow-up. A covariance matrix was used to account for dependency. All patients completed self-reported surveys: Dyadic Adjustment Scale, PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Brief Profile (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information), and International Index of Erectile Function. There were 85 respondents: 42 men and 43 women. The mean age was 49.82years (range, 25-77). The largest improvement was on the total Dyadic Adjustment Scale score, which increased by approximately 5.18 points (95% CI, 2.55-7.81). PROMIS scores for global satisfaction with sex life, erectile function, and interest in sexual activity significantly increased from baseline, while the vaginal discomfort score significantly declined. Overall the score for global satisfaction with sex life increased from baseline by approximately 5.57 points (95% CI, 3.03-8.10). On average, men reported a 4.33-point increase (95% CI, 0.04-8.62) in their International Index of Erectile Function score from baseline. A multidisciplinary treatment approach focused on the couple positively affects a couple's relationship, including global satisfaction with sex life, relationship satisfaction, interest in sexual activity, and erectile function. This study is one of the few to document the effects of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for both members of a heterosexual couple-male and female. Limitations include the narrow demographics and lack of a control group in our population. Furthermore, this was completed at 1 academic center. These findings emphasize that multidisciplinary sexual therapy programs aimed at the couple can help address multiple aspects of sexual well-being.

Exploring the Relationship between Sexual Desires, Fulfilment and Relationship Satisfaction among Long-Distance Couples

Abstract: The current study is an attempt to understand the influence of sexual fulfilment on relationship satisfaction among long-distance relationships. A correlational research design with quantitative approach was adopted. The data for the study was gathered from across the country through Google Forms using a method of convenient sampling. The tools used in the study include the Index of Sexual Satisfaction and the Couple Satisfaction Index. The participants were 74 adults aged 18-30 compromising of males and females who have been in a long-distance relationship or are currently in a long-distance relationship from different geographical regions of India. The results of the current study suggest that there is a moderate negative correlation between sexual satisfaction and the relationship satisfaction among long distance couples.

The Relationship Sexual Satisfaction and the Marital burnout in Married Women of Yasouj City

Background & Aims Sexual dissatisfaction in women has several consequences. Due to the cultural factors and the traditional context of Iranian cities, there are limitations for women to talk about sexual issues and do not express their sexual satisfaction during the necessary care in reproductive age. This study aims to determine the relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital burnout of women living in Yasuj, Iran. Materials & Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 married women referred to four comprehensive health centers in Yasuj. Data was collected using a demographic form, the Married Women’s Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (MWSSQ), and the Couple Burnout Measure (CBM). The data was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test in SPSS software, version 22. Results The component of mental and physical barriers to sexual satisfaction had a significant positive correlation with the total score of CBM (r=0.488, P<0.001). Other three components of MWSSQ, including antecedents (r=-0.624, P<0.001), husband-related factors (r=-0.662, P<0.001), and dominant cultural values (r=-0.447, P<0.001) had a significant negative correlation with the total score of CBM. Conclusion Higher mental and physical barriers to sexual satisfaction can cause higher marital burnout in women, while lower antecedents, husband-related factors, and cultural values related to sexual performance can reduce marital burnout. Healthcare workers working in health centers should check women's sexual satisfaction status and, if necessary, remove their mental and physical barriers to sexual satisfaction and improve their physical, mental, and emotional conditions and relationships with husbands by providing training and counseling to them.