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Nikolaidis I, Karakasi MV, Artemiadis A, Nteli E, Bakirtzis C, Boziki MK, Foley FW, Grigoriadis N. Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Greek version of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19. Somatosens Mot Res 2024; 41:1-10. [PMID: 36538411 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2022.2158801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) explores optimally impact of MS on sexual activity/satisfaction/intimacy. AIM The present study aims to provide the only validation of the Greek Version of MSISQ-19, and compare results to validation studies in other languages. METHODS The original/English version of the MSISQ-19 was translated into Greek according to standardized guidelines, while validity/reliability, correlations with other scales and sexual dysfunction prevalence were tested. Subjects were requested to complete all questionnaires and MSISQ-19, being re-tested three weeks later. Construct-validity of the Greek version of the MSISQ-19 was confirmed with principal-component-analysis. Bartlett's test assessed correlation-adequacy between items. Pearson's correlation explored internal-construct-validity between subscales and overall score, and external-construct-validity with disease-status variables, cognitive testing and patient-reported outcomes regarding fatigue, depression/anxiety, MS impact, and quality of life. RESULTS 201 PwMS (130 female). Mean age was 39.3 ± 11.8 years with median disease-duration 11.7 ± 7.9 years. 79.1% RRMS, PPMS (10.4%) and SPMS (10.4%). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.949. MSISQ-19 correlations between items were large. Significant associations of sexual dysfunction were identified with age (rho = 0.392, p < 0.01), years of education (rho=-0.199, p = 0.006), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (rho = 0.518, p < 0.01) and MS duration (rho = 0.354, p < 0.01). Correlations were disclosed with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (rho=-0.247, p < 0.05), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (rho = 0.374, p < 0.05), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (rho = 0.375, p < 0.05), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (rho = 0.442, p < 0.05), and EuroQoL-five-dimensional instrument (rho = 0.375, p < 0.05). Internal consistency of the Greek version of the MSISQ-19 was confirmed with Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability (31 PwMS) was excellent with intraclass-correlation-coefficients > 0.90. CONCLUSION Besides Greek MSISQ-19 satisfactory validity/reliability/reproducibility and being first to include cognitive-testing, authors estimated sexual-dysfunction prevalence affecting half PwMS.HIGHLIGHTSThis study provides the only validation of the Greek Version of the MSISQ-19.The latter was found with satisfactory validity, reliability and reproducibility.50% of the Greek PwMS sample was found to be afflicted with sexual dysfunction.This is also the first validation study to examine associations with cognitive testing.Sexual function is still an underestimated functionality parameter upon examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Nikolaidis
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, GR, Greece
| | - Maria-Valeria Karakasi
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, GR, Greece
| | - Artemios Artemiadis
- Department of Neurology, University of Cyprus - Medical School, Nicosia, CY, Cyprus
| | - Elli Nteli
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, GR, Greece
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, GR, Greece
| | - Marina-Kleopatra Boziki
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, GR, Greece
| | - Frederick W Foley
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck, NJ, USA
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki - School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, GR, Greece
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Machulska A, Woud ML, Brailovskaia J, Margraf J, Klucken T. Nicotine-related interpretation biases in cigarette smoking individuals. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4796. [PMID: 38413636 PMCID: PMC10899185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Addictive behaviors are characterized by information processing biases, including substance-related interpretation biases. In the field of cigarette smoking, such biases have not been investigated yet. The present study thus adopted an open-ended scenario approach to measure smoking-related interpretation biases. Individuals who smoke, those who ceased smoking, and those without a smoking history (total sample N = 177) were instructed to generate spontaneous continuations for ambiguous, open-ended scenarios that described either a smoking-related or neutral context. Overall, people who smoke generated more smoking-related continuations in response to smoking-relevant situations than non-smoking individuals or people who had stopped smoking, providing evidence for a smoking-related interpretation bias. When differentiating for situation type within smoking-relevant scenarios, smoking individuals produced more smoking-related continuations for positive/social and habit/addictive situations compared to negative/affective ones. Additionally, the tendency to interpret habit/addictive situations in a smoking-related manner was positively associated with cigarette consumption and levels of nicotine dependence. Exploratory analyses indicated that other substance-related continuations were correlated with their respective behavioral counterparts (e.g., the level of self-reported alcohol or caffeine consumption). The present study is the first to demonstrate smoking-related interpretation biases in relation to current cigarette smoking. Future studies should investigate the causal role of such biases in the initiation and/or maintainance of nicotine addiction and the merit of Interpretation-Bias-Modification training to support smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Machulska
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Marcella L Woud
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Brailovskaia
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum/Marburg, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), Partner Site Bochum/Marburg, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tim Klucken
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
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Meyers M, Margraf J, Velten J. A Qualitative Study of Women's Experiences with Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Online Interventions for Low Sexual Desire. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:1082-1091. [PMID: 35435791 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2056565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are among the most researched types of psychological interventions for low sexual desire in women. While both have been found effective in improving women's sexual desire, little is known about how women personally experience these treatments. To closely examine both approaches from a participant's perspective, semi-structured telephone-based interviews were conducted with 51 cis-women (Mage = 39, SD = 11, range = 22 to 69) who participated in a randomized controlled study comparing internet-based CBT and MBT for low sexual desire with a waitlist. Interview data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Most women (n = 44, 86.3%) evaluated their respective treatment (i.e., CBT or MBT) as helpful in improving their sexual desire. CBT-techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, were mentioned as being helpful for challenging maladaptive thinking patterns, while formal mindfulness-exercises allowed women to disengage from negative sexuality-related thoughts. Elements of sex therapy, including self-stimulation exercises and sensate focus, were perceived as crucial for getting women in touch with their sexual desires and preferences. Strengths of the online format included anonymity, flexibility, and convenient access. Overall, women's personal accounts supported feasibility, acceptability, and clinical usefulness of CBT- and MBT-based internet interventions targeting low sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Meyers
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum
| | - Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum
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Zahler L, Meyers M, Woud ML, Blackwell SE, Margraf J, Velten J. Using Three Indirect Measures to Assess the Role of Sexuality-Related Associations and Interpretations for Women's Sexual Desire: An Internet-Based Experimental Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2471-2484. [PMID: 33844117 PMCID: PMC8416817 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01897-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Theoretical models emphasize the role of both automatic appraisals (i.e., associations) and conscious appraisals (i.e., interpretations) for sexual desire. Studies on sexuality-related appraisals have not combined self-report measures and experimental paradigms in order to compare the relevance of associations or interpretations. The aim of this study was to assess the relative contribution of both associations and interpretations to the explanation of low sexual desire in women. Toward this goal, indirect measures assessing associations (via a Single Target Implicit Association Test [STIAT]) and interpretations (via a Scrambled Sentences Test [SST] and a scenario task) were administered in a sample of 263 women (Mage = 27.90, SD 8.27) with varying levels of sexual desire and different sexual orientations (exclusively heterosexual women: 54.6%). Negative sexuality-related interpretations as assessed with two variants of the SST as well as the scenario task added to the explanation of lower sexual desire in women. Negative associations as measured with the STIAT were predictive of lower sexual desire only in women who did not indicate an exclusively heterosexual orientation. In this study, sexuality-related interpretations were more relevant to women's sexual desire than automatic associations. Future studies should assess the causal mechanism underlying sexuality-related interpretations (e.g., by evaluating whether these can be changed via cognitive bias modification techniques or psychological treatments).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Zahler
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Milena Meyers
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcella L Woud
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simon E Blackwell
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Velten
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Massenbergstr. 9-13, 44787, Bochum, Germany.
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Velten J, Milani S, Margraf J, Brotto LA. Visual attention and sexual arousal in women with and without sexual dysfunction. Behav Res Ther 2021; 144:103915. [PMID: 34174705 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Attention to sexual stimuli is a prerequisite to process such stimuli as sexually-meaningful and is an important means to facilitate sexual arousal. Attending to sexual cues is crucial for healthy sexual functioning. Studies suggest that sexual dysfunction is associated with less attention towards sexual stimuli. The goal of this study was to use an eye-tracking-based free-viewing paradigm to investigate whether women with sexual dysfunction visually attend to the genital area in dynamic sexual stimuli (i.e., erotic videos) differently than women with subclinical sexual function or those with typical sexual functioning. A total of 69 women (Mage = 27.77, SD = 8.00) with clinical (n = 30), subclinical (n = 23), and typical (n = 16) levels of sexual functioning watched four 1-min video clips depicting heterosexual couples engaging in vaginal intercourse or cunnilingus while the total fixation duration on the genital area as well as their subjective and genital sexual arousal were recorded. As hypothesized, the clinical group fixated on the genital area less than women with typical sexual functioning. A longer total fixation duration on the genital area was followed by increases in subjective arousal and genital arousal. The relationship between attention and arousal was not moderated by sexual functioning group. This study provides first evidence of the role of sustained visual attention for facilitating sexual arousal in women with and without sexual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Sonia Milani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Velten J, Milani S, Margraf J, Brotto LA. Visual Attention to Sexual Stimuli in Women With Clinical, Subclinical, and Normal Sexual Functioning: An Eye-Tracking Study. J Sex Med 2021; 18:144-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Predicting Women's Sexual Function through Sexual Self-Efficacy according to the Mediator Variable of Conflict Resolution Techniques. PREVENTIVE CARE IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.52547/pcnm.9.4.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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