Effectiveness of Group Counseling Based on Bandura's Self-efficacy Theory on Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction Iranian Newlyweds: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Given the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its impact on the strength of the family unit, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of training based on Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory on sexual function and sexual satisfaction (primary outcomes), self-efficacy and quality of sexual life (swcondary outcomes) in newlywed women. Materials and Methods: This randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 96 newlywed women aged 20 to 35 presenting to health facilities in Zanjan, Iran, in 2016. The participants were assigned to an intervention and a control group using randomized blocking. The intervention group received six 90-minute sessions of sexual counseling based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory held once every week over six weeks. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Satisfaction and sexual self-efficacy and quality of sexual life questionnaire were completed by the participants before and eight weeks after the intervention. The ANCOVA and the independent t-test were used for the analysis of the data. Results: The two groups were homogeneous in terms of their personal demographic characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of their sexual function (p=0.169), sexual satisfaction (p=0.190), sexual self-efficacy (p=0.195) and quality of sexual life (p=0.541) before the intervention. Eight weeks after the intervention and after adjusting for the baseline scores, the ANCOVA showed that the sexual function score was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=1.8, (%95 Confidence Interval=0.2 to 3.4, p=0.021); however, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of sexual satisfaction (mean difference=5.6, %95 Confidence Interval= -0.1 to 1.0). ANCOVA test showed that the mean score of sexual self-efficacy in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group 8 weeks after the intervention(mean difrence=6.5, %95CI= 1.1 to 12.0, p=0.019). However, in terms of quality of sexual life, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (mean difrence= 3.1, %95CI= 0.5 to 6.9, p=0.094). Conclusion: The results suggest the positive effects of sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual self-efficacy. However, the intervention had no significant impact on the sexual satisfaction and quality of sexual life which may be due to the duration of the follow-ups and the limited number of the counseling sessions held.