The effectiveness of group counseling based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory on sexual function and sexual satisfaction in Iranian newlywed women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of training based on Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory on sexual function and sexual satisfaction in newlywed women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 96 newlywed women presenting to health centers 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 Questionnaire were completed by the participants before and eight weeks after the intervention. The ANCOVA and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of sexual function (p = 0.169) and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.190) scores 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 (5.6; -0.1 to 11.4; p = 0.058). Conclusion: The results suggest the positive effects of sexual counseling on sexual function but not on sexual satisfaction, which may be due to the duration of the follow-ups and the limited number of the counseling sessions held.