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Martins EM, Pascoal PM, Manão AA, Rosa PJ. The Interplay of Worry and Relationship Satisfaction to Understand Sexual Distress: An APIM Study with Heterosexual Couples Using Cross-Sectional Data. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024; 50:878-893. [PMID: 39183638 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2391390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The current study takes an integrative approach, considering individual transdiagnostic processes and relationship outcomes. It assumes an interdependence approach and aims to test a dyadic model to analyze the impact of worry and relationship satisfaction on heterosexual couples' sexual -distress, an essential factor for diagnosing sexual dysfunction. The current study recruited 103 couples from the community to complete an online survey containing the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire - Abbreviated, and the Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction. The results show that women's and men's worries are associated with their own sexual distress, and men's relationship satisfaction has an effect on their own and their partner's sexual distress. These results highlight the critical role of cognitive processes in shaping the experience of sexual distress and reinforce the importance of taking an integrative perspective that considers relationship (satisfaction), individual (worry) and social factors (gender) in interventions to treat sexual distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna M Martins
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M Pascoal
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia A Manão
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Rosa
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes (ISMAT), Portimão, Portugal
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Raposo CF, Nobre PJ, Manão AA, Pascoal PM. Understanding sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF): A preliminary framework based on a qualitative study with clinical sexologists. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100473. [PMID: 39021678 PMCID: PMC467054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF) is pivotal in diagnosing sexual dysfunction. However, there is a lack of theoretical models for its comprehension and of knowledge concerning how to address it in clinical practice. Aim To contribute to theory building and clinical practice about SDRSF by collecting clinicians' accounts, aiming to inform a preliminary framework to study and intervene in SDRSF. Method Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data from 16 semi-structured interviews with clinical sexologists. Results: Three main themes were created: (1) Burning from the inside, (2) Wicked games, and (3) Running up that hill. Participants revealed a multidimensional understanding of SDRSF in clinical settings that integrates individual, sociocultural, interpersonal and situational factors. This underscores the interconnected nature of SDRSF, revealing its links to different facets of overall distress in clinical settings. We present a preliminary framework that may be analytically generalized to enhance the comprehension of the specificities of SDRSF. Conclusion These insights frame a comprehensive conceptualization of SDRSF in clinical settings that goes beyond sexual activity and implies that interpersonal and societal factors need to be considered in research and intervention in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina F. Raposo
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J. Nobre
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia A. Manão
- Lusófona University, HEI‐Lab: Digital Human‐Environment Interaction Labs, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M. Pascoal
- Lusófona University, HEI‐Lab: Digital Human‐Environment Interaction Labs, Portugal
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Carvalho SA, Lapa T, Pascoal PM. The Need to Look at Transgender and Gender Diverse People's Health: A Preliminary Descriptive Report on Pain, Sexual Distress, and Health Profile of Five Transmasculine People and One Non-Binary Person with Endometriosis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1229. [PMID: 38921344 PMCID: PMC11204261 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The sexual health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people with endometriosis has been overlooked, and important emotional experiences, such as sexual distress and its correlates, have been ignored. This has prevented a more comprehensive look at the health experiences of TGD individuals. This descriptive online survey study preliminarily explored the experiences of pain symptoms, sexual distress, and mental health of N = 6 TGD individuals diagnosed with endometriosis. Descriptive results showed a mean delay of 10 years from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis. Endometriosis-related pain was a common symptom, although with low to moderate intensity. Results also showed higher mean levels of pain impact, powerlessness and lack of control, somatization, depression, anxiety, and sexual distress, and lower mean levels of emotional well-being, social support, and worse self-image compared to reports on cisgender women with endometriosis in the literature. These results suggested that sexual and mental health in the context of TGD people with endometriosis has specificities and may be associated with factors that need to be accounted for to provide comprehensive and socially just healthcare, such as the recognition of the impact of endometriosis treatment on symptoms of gender dysphoria. To achieve sexual health equity for TGD people, continuous and updated professional training and inclusive research with multiple informants are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio A. Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Teresa Lapa
- Anesthesiology Departament, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M. Pascoal
- Lusófona University, HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, 1700-097 Lisbon, Portugal
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Gómez-Lugo M, Villalba-Ríos N, Valbuena-Vargas C, Saavedra-Roa A. Spanish adaptation and validation of sexual distress scale in Colombian population. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100469. [PMID: 38957682 PMCID: PMC11217606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective The adaptation and validation of measures to assess Sexual Distress (SD) are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) in a Colombian sample and provide a percentile ranking score for a comprehensive understanding of sexual distress among the population. Method Five hundred ninety-six people from Colombia (50.08 % women; 49.92 % men) aged 18-60 participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses and a convergent validity analysis were performed. Results The SDS showed a high internal consistency (Ω = .95, α = .94) and a unidimensional model. Significative correlations were found between the SDS and related measures with sexual functioning, further supporting its convergent validity. Conclusions The SDS is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate SD in Colombians, with implications for clinical practice and sexual health research. More investigations are needed to address the limitations, strengthen the validity and reliability of the scale, and develop specific interventions based on its results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Gómez-Lugo
- SexLab KL - Human Sexual Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Nathalie Villalba-Ríos
- SexLab KL - Human Sexual Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Carlos Valbuena-Vargas
- SexLab KL - Human Sexual Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Alejandro Saavedra-Roa
- SexLab KL - Human Sexual Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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Lin CY, Tsai MC, Koós M, Nagy L, Kraus SW, Demetrovics Z, Potenza MN, Ballester-Arnal R, Batthyány D, Bergeron S, Billieux J, Briken P, Cárdenas-López G, Carvalho J, Castro-Calvo J, Chen L, Ciocca G, Corazza O, Csako RI, Fernandez DP, Fernandez EF, Fujiwara H, Fuss J, Gabrhelík R, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Gjoneska B, Gola M, Grubbs JB, Hashim HT, Islam MS, Ismail M, Jiménez-Martínez M, Jurin T, Kalina O, Klein V, Költő A, Lee SK, Lewczuk K, Lochner C, López-Alvarado S, Lukavská K, Mayta-Tristán P, Milea I, Miller DJ, Orosová O, Orosz G, Ponce FP, Quintana GR, Garzola GCQ, Ramos-Diaz J, Rigaud K, Rousseau A, Scanavino MDT, Schulmeyer MK, Sharan P, Shibata M, Shoib S, Sigre-Leirós V, Sniewski L, Spasovski O, Steibliene V, Stein DJ, Strizek J, Štulhofer A, Ünsal BC, Vaillancourt-Morel MP, Van Hout MC, Bőthe B. The short version of the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS-3): Measurement invariance across countries, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100461. [PMID: 38706570 PMCID: PMC11067538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The three-item Sexual Distress Scale (SDS-3) has been frequently used to assess distress related to sexuality in public health surveys and research on sexual wellbeing. However, its psychometric properties and measurement invariance across cultural, gender and sexual subgroups have not yet been examined. This multinational study aimed to validate the SDS-3 and test its psychometric properties, including measurement invariance across language, country, gender identity, and sexual orientation groups. Methods We used global survey data from 82,243 individuals (Mean age=32.39 years; 40.3 % men, 57.0 % women, 2.8 % non-binary, and 0.6 % other genders) participating in the International Sexual Survey (ISS; https://internationalsexsurvey.org/) across 42 countries and 26 languages. Participants completed the SDS-3, as well as questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Results Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a unidimensional factor structure for the SDS-3, and multi-group CFA (MGCFA) suggested that this factor structure was invariant across countries, languages, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Cronbach's α for the unidimensional score was 0.83 (range between 0.76 and 0.89), and McDonald's ω was 0.84 (range between 0.76 and 0.90). Participants who did not experience sexual problems had significantly lower SDS-3 total scores (M = 2.99; SD=2.54) compared to those who reported sexual problems (M = 5.60; SD=3.00), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.01 [95 % CI=-1.03, -0.98]; p < 0.001). Conclusion The SDS-3 has a unidimensional factor structure and appears to be valid and reliable for measuring sexual distress among individuals from different countries, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Che Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mónika Koós
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Léna Nagy
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shane W. Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, United Kingdom
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
| | - Rafael Ballester-Arnal
- Departamento de Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología, University Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
| | - Dominik Batthyány
- Institute for Behavioural Addictions, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problèmes conjugaux et les agressions sexuelles, Montréal, Canada
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine & Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Georgina Cárdenas-López
- Virtual Teaching and Cyberpsychology Laboratory, School of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Joana Carvalho
- William James Center for Research, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jesús Castro-Calvo
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lijun Chen
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanity and Social Science, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian province, China
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Section of Sexual Psychopathology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Rita I. Csako
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David P. Fernandez
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Decentralized Big Data Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Johannes Fuss
- Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roman Gabrhelík
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Biljana Gjoneska
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute for Neural Computations, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joshua B. Grubbs
- Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
| | | | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafa Ismail
- University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Tanja Jurin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ondrej Kalina
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychology of Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Verena Klein
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - András Költő
- Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
- Chuncheon Addiction Management Center, Republic of Korea
| | - Karol Lewczuk
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christine Lochner
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kateřina Lukavská
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ion Milea
- International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan J. Miller
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oľga Orosová
- Department of Educational Psychology and Psychology of Health, Pavol Jozef Safarik Universit y in Kosice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Fernando P. Ponce
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Talca, Region del Maule, Chile
| | - Gonzalo R. Quintana
- Departamento de Psicología y Filosofía, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile
| | - Gabriel C. Quintero Garzola
- Florida State University, Panama, Republic of Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Jano Ramos-Diaz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Ann Rousseau
- Leuven School For Mass Communication, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marco De Tubino Scanavino
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Pathophisiology Post Graduation Program, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pratap Sharan
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mami Shibata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sheikh Shoib
- Department of Psychology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vera Sigre-Leirós
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Legal Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luke Sniewski
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ognen Spasovski
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Vesta Steibliene
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dan J. Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Aleksandar Štulhofer
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Berk C. Ünsal
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problèmes conjugaux et les agressions sexuelles, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marie Claire Van Hout
- Public Health Institute, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Beáta Bőthe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les problèmes conjugaux et les agressions sexuelles, Montréal, Canada
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Gérard M, Charvier K, Leduc H, Courtois F. Looking Beyond the Chair: Psycho-Perceptual Predictors of Sexual Distress and Sexual Satisfaction in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37819254 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2260816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite a large body of biomedical research, little is known about the psychological and perceptual predictors of sexual satisfaction (SS) and sexual distress (SD) post spinal cord injury (SCI). Guided by a bio-psycho-perceptual framework, this cross-sectional research aimed at assessing SS and SD in a large SCI sample using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). Significant correlates and predictors of SS and SD were also identified. Ninety-one men and women with SCI completed PROMs of SS and SD, as well as psychological (mood, sexual and body esteem) and perceptual (interoceptive awareness, trait mindfulness, sexual mindfulness) factors. Neurological profiles were also assessed, along with experience of orgasm. Correlates of SS and SD were first identified using Pearson's correlations, then multiple hierarchical regression models were computed to isolate predictors. Orgasm experience and psychological factors emerged as moderate correlates of both SS and SD, while neurological factors did not. Interoceptive awareness and trait mindfulness showed weak associations with SD and none with SS. Among the tested predictors, experience of orgasm emerged as the strongest for SS (β = -.29, p < .01), followed by mood, which predicted SS and SD. Sexual and body esteem was predictive of SD only. In sexually active participants, sexual mindfulness predicted both SS (β = 0.55, p < .001) and SD (β = -0.56, p < .001) above and beyond all other variables. This study reveals unique aspects of SS and SD postinjury and supports further consideration of psychological and perceptual dimensions of SCI sexuality in rehabilitation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gérard
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | | | - Hugues Leduc
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - Frédérique Courtois
- Sexology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CCSMTL), Gingras Lindsay Montreal Rehabilitation Institute (IRGLM)
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Yan R, Wang J, Yu J. Association of sexual attitudes with sexual dysfunction and sexual distress among Chinese breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:154. [PMID: 36757498 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in Chinese female breast cancer survivors (BCSs), and their associations with physical variables, psychological factors, body image, and sexual attitudes. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 341 BCSs was performed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Associations between physical variables, psychological factors, body image, sexual attitudes, sexual dysfunction, and sexual distress were evaluated using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding factors. RESULTS We found that 75.37% and 18.48% of BCSs reported sexual dysfunction and sexual distress during the past month, respectively. Attitudes toward sexual behavior such as "sexual activity may impede disease recovery," "sexual activity may cause cancer recurrence or metastasis," and "sexual activity may weaken treatment effects" were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of reporting sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Body image disruption such as "felt physically less attractive as a result of your disease or treatment" was significantly associated with the experience of sexual distress. CONCLUSION Sexual dysfunction and sexual distress are common issues in Chinese BCSs. Sexual misconception likely contributes to sexual dysfunction and sexual distress, and body image has a significantly negative association with sexual distress in BCSs. Interventions targeting sexual attitudes and body image might be important to address BCSs' sexual issues and improve their overall sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yan
- Big Data Center of Clinical Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of Ministry of Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Grunau K, Bieselt HE, Gul P, Kupfer TR. Unwanted celibacy is associated with misogynistic attitudes even after controlling for personality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Baniotopoulos P, Pyrgidis N, Minopoulou I, Tishukov M, Sokolakis I, Hatzichristodoulou G, Dimitroulas T. Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disorders: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2022; 10:520-528. [PMID: 37051964 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (SD) is an under-recognized and undertreated problem in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders (SARDs).
Objectives
To summarize and evaluate the existing treatment modalities for SD in females with SARDs.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were searched up to April 2022 for studies that assessed the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities for the management of SD in females with SARDs. Randomized and observational studies were included. (PROSPERO: CRD42022296381).
Results
Seven studies with 426 females with SD were included. Seven different treatment modalities belonging to 5 different classes (androgen therapy, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, exercise, education and local creams) were evaluated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. The majority of the studies were of low methodological quality. Standardized patient education and 8-week aerobic walking programs were successful in improving female SD. Local creams improved dyspareunia in females with systemic sclerosis. Testosterone did not significantly improve SD in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Accordingly, tadalafil did not result in a significant improvement of SD in females with systemic sclerosis, based on the Female Sexual Function Index.
Conclusion
There is a lack of sufficient evidence to recommend a certain management strategy for SD in females with SARDs. Nonpharmacological therapy and lubricant creams may be beneficial in females with SARDs. No benefit was demonstrated after androgen therapy or tadalafil. Still, no definite conclusions can be drawn due to the important limitations of the available literature. Overall, our results may be considered preliminary and further research in the field is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolaos Pyrgidis
- Department of Urology , Nuremberg , Germany
- ‘Martha-Maria’ Hospital Nuremberg , Nuremberg , Germany
| | - Ioanna Minopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine , Thessaloníki , Greece
- Medical School , Thessaloníki , Greece
- Hippokration General Hospital , Thessaloníki , Greece
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloníki , Greece
| | - Maksim Tishukov
- Medical School , Thessaloniki , Greece
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- Department of Urology , Nuremberg , Germany
- ‘Martha-Maria’ Hospital Nuremberg , Nuremberg , Germany
| | | | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine , Thessaloníki , Greece
- Medical School , Thessaloníki , Greece
- Hippokration General Hospital , Thessaloníki , Greece
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloníki , Greece
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10
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Arthur EK, Menon U, Reese JB, Browning K, Overcash J, Rose K, Wills CE. Profiles of women's adjustment after cancer based on sexual and psychosocial wellbeing: results of a cluster analysis. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1003. [PMID: 36131276 PMCID: PMC9491007 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10093-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual wellbeing is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall wellbeing for women across cancer diagnoses. OBJECTIVE We identified profiles of women cancer survivors by sexual and psychosocial outcomes and compared groups for differences in relevant outcomes and individual characteristics. METHODS Partnered women treated for cancer (n = 226; M age = 51.1 (12.6); 54% breast cancer; 86% White) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing sexual and psychosocial wellbeing. K-means cluster analysis modeled subgroups (clusters) with similar response patterns on measures of sexual wellbeing (sexual function, distress, sexual communication, and self-efficacy for communication), psychosocial wellbeing (quality of life (QOL), anxiety and depressive symptoms), and time since treatment. ANOVAs with Tukey post-hoc analyses and chi-square analyses tested cluster mean differences. RESULTS Three distinct clusters of women differed by levels of adjustment in sexual and psychosocial wellbeing: higher-adjustment (32.7%), intermediate (37.6%), and lower-adjustment (29.6%). Significant differences among the clusters were found for all outcomes, with largest effect sizes for sexual distress (η2p = 0.66), sexual communication (η2p = 0.51), sexual satisfaction (η2p = 0.44), and anxiety and self-efficacy for communication (η2p = 0.32). The intermediate adjustment group was characterized by lower adjustment on measures of sexual and relationship function, and better adjustment on measures of QOL and mood. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that for women cancer survivors, measures of sexual and psychosocial wellbeing can model distinct profiles to inform targeted interventions to meet women's needs. Evidence-based targeted interventions could lead to better sexual function, and ultimately to better QOL and overall wellbeing. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE A stepped intervention approach to sexual health care for women with cancer, where content and format depend on degree of sexual and psychosocial adjustment after cancer, may be most appropriate. Interdisciplinary teams may address sexual, emotional, and relationship functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Arthur
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Usha Menon
- University of South Florida, College of Nursing, 12901 Bruce B. Downs, MDN 22, Tampa, FL, 33612-4742, USA
| | - Jennifer Barsky Reese
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19093, USA
| | - Kristine Browning
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Janine Overcash
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Karen Rose
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Celia E Wills
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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11
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Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022; 19:834-845. [PMID: 35370102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised-herein called the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS and SDS-R)-are among the most widely used self-report instruments to assess sexual distress, but no version for use in the Portuguese population is available to date. AIM The current study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R in samples of women and men with and without distressing sexual problems. METHODS A sample of 1,109 participants without distressing sexual problems (761 women) and 382 participants with distressing sexual problems (283 women), ages ranging from 18 to 72 years, were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese SDS and SDS-R. OUTCOMES Participants completed a survey that included a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the SDS and SDS-R, and measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual quality of life, sexual function, dyadic adjustment, and psychological distress. RESULTS Results indicated that the Portuguese SDS and the SDS-R assess 1 general domain of sexual distress and showed good evidences of validity based on content and on relations with other variables. Sexual distress was associated with poorer sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of life, with higher psychological distress, and lower dyadic adjustment. Internal consistency and test-retest (1 month) reliabilities were excellent. Tests of differential functioning of items indicated that the SDS and SDS-R scores can be used to compare women and men on sexual distress, but the SDS/SDS-R scores flagged differential functioning of items and test (DFIT) between participants with and without distressing sexual problems. CLINICAL TRANSLATION Clinicians and researchers can now make use of the SDS and of the SDS-R in the Portuguese population, facilitating the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The Portuguese SDS/SDS-R scores can be compared between women and men, providing information on sexual distress independently of sexual function. With the current evidence, comparisons between individuals with and without distressing sexual problems should be made with caution, as the scores may be biased against the former. CONCLUSION This study provides a validation of the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R that can be used to assess sexual distress in Portuguese women and men and can be used to compare between these 2 groups. Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022;19:834-845.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Tavares
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Pedro J Nobre
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto, Portugal
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12
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Cyr MP, Dostie R, Camden C, Dumoulin C, Bessette P, Pina A, Gotlieb WH, Lapointe-Milot K, Mayrand MH, Morin M. Improvements following multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy in gynecological cancer survivors suffering from pain during sexual intercourse: Results from a one-year follow-up mixed-method study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262844. [PMID: 35077479 PMCID: PMC8789131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large proportion of gynecological cancer survivors suffer from pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia. Following a multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) treatment, a reduction in pain and improvement in psychosexual outcomes were found in the short term, but no study thus far has examined whether these changes are sustained over time. PURPOSE To examine the improvements in pain, sexual functioning, sexual distress, body image concerns, pain anxiety, pain catastrophizing, painful intercourse self-efficacy, depressive symptoms and pelvic floor disorder symptoms in gynecological cancer survivors with dyspareunia after PFPT, and to explore women's perceptions of treatment effects at one-year follow-up. METHODS This mixed-method study included 31 gynecological cancer survivors affected by dyspareunia. The women completed a 12-week PFPT treatment comprising education, manual therapy and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Quantitative data were collected using validated questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment and one-year follow-up. As for qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted at one-year follow-up to better understand women's perception and experience of treatment effects. RESULTS Significant improvements were found from baseline to one-year follow-up on all quantitative outcomes (P ≤ 0.028). Moreover, no changes were found from post-treatment to one-year follow-up, supporting that the improvements were sustained at follow-up. Qualitative data highlighted that reduction in pain, improvement in sexual functioning and reduction in urinary symptoms were the most meaningful effects perceived by participants. Women expressed that these effects resulted from positive biological, psychological and social changes attributable to multimodal PFPT. Adherence was also perceived to influence treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the short-term improvements following multimodal PFPT are sustained and meaningful for gynecological cancer survivors with dyspareunia one year after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Cyr
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rosalie Dostie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantal Camden
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantale Dumoulin
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Bessette
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annick Pina
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Walter Henry Gotlieb
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Korine Lapointe-Milot
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Mayrand
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Morin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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13
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Huang Z, Wu S. Acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support and quality of life among patients with chronic lymphedema: a cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4099-4108. [PMID: 35072790 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06855-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support, and quality of life and to explore the relationships between acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support, and quality of life among Chinese patients with chronic lymphedema. METHODS Chronic lymphedema patients were recruited from five tertiary hospitals between May and July 2020 in China. Recruited patients were assessed for quality of life (QOL), acceptance of disability (AOD), coping styles, perceived social support (PSS), and sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to examine the multivariate effect of AOD, coping style, PSS, and sociodemographic and disease-related factors on QOL. RESULTS A total of 163 chronic lymphedema patients were recruited. The mean score of QOL was 2.23 (SD = 0.68). AOD, number of symptoms, acceptance-resignation, avoidance, degree of pain, PSS, and educational level were found to be significant predictors of QOL. CONCLUSION Chinese patients with chronic lymphedema had moderate levels of QOL. The QOL and specific domains of patients were affected by different factors. Special attention and targeted interventions should be given to improve patients' QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehao Huang
- The Nethersol School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Horse Material Water, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Siyu Wu
- Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
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14
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Dewitte M, Bettocchi C, Carvalho J, Corona G, Flink I, Limoncin E, Pascoal P, Reisman Y, Van Lankveld J. A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Sex Med 2021; 9:100434. [PMID: 34626919 PMCID: PMC8766276 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although erectile dysfunction (ED) involves an interaction between physiological and psychological pathways, the psychosocial aspects of ED have received considerably less attention so far. AIM To review the available evidence on the psychosocial aspects of ED in order to develop a position statement and clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). METHOD A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Specific statements and recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria were provided. RESULTS A multidisciplinary treatment, in which medical treatment is combined with a psychological approach, is preferred over unimodal treatment. There is increasing evidence that psychological treatments of ED can improve medical treatments, the patient's adherence to treatment, and the quality of the sexual relationship. The main components of psychological treatment of ED involve cognitive and behavioral techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, increasing sexual stimulation, disrupting sexual avoidance, and increasing intimacy and communication skills in a relational context. When applicable and possible, it is strongly recommended to include the partner in the assessment and treatment of ED and to actively work on interpartner agreement and shared decision-making regarding possible treatment options. To ensure a better integration of the biopsychosocial model into clinical practice, developing concrete treatment protocols and training programs are desirable. CONCLUSION Because the psychosocial approach to ED has been underexposed so far, this position statement provides valuable information for clinicians treating ED. Psychological interventions on ED are based on existing theoretical models that are grounded in empirical evidence. However, the quality of available studies is low, which calls for further research. The sexual medicine field would benefit from pursuing more diversity, inclusivity, and integration when setting up treatments and evaluating their effect. Dewitte M, Bettocchi C, Carvalho J, et al. A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Sex Med 2021;9:100434.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Dewitte
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Carlo Bettocchi
- Policlinic, Urology Unit, University of Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Joanna Carvalho
- Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda USL, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ida Flink
- Center for Health and Medical Psychology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Erika Limoncin
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Pascoal
- CICPSI, Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, Portugal; Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação & CPUP, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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15
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Vikan JK, Snekkevik H, Nilsson MI, Stanghelle JK, Geirdal AØ, Fugl-Meyer KS. Sexual Satisfaction and Associated Biopsychosocial Factors in Stroke Patients Admitted to Specialized Cognitive Rehabilitation. Sex Med 2021; 9:100424. [PMID: 34474266 PMCID: PMC8498952 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The consequences of stroke on sexual life in stroke patients in need of specialized cognitive rehabilitation have been limited explored. A biopsychosocial perspective in post-stroke sexuality studies is warranted to capture the complex picture of stroke consequences and sexual life after stroke and sexual satisfaction is an important outcome measure when exploring such multifactorial associations. Aim To explore sexual satisfaction and associated biopsychosocial factors in stroke patients admitted to specialized cognitive rehabilitation. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed including 91 consecutive stroke patients admitted to specialized cognitive rehabilitation. Data were collected from medical records and by face-to-face interviews using a structured interview guide and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Main outcome measures A wide range of biopsychosocial variables including medical and sociodemographic characteristics, social support, sexual complaints, aspects of sexual life, psychological distress and life satisfaction were analyzed in relation to the main outcome “Satisfaction with sexual life.” Results Only 33 % were satisfied with sexual life. Prevalence of sexual complaints was high, more frequent in women (84%) than in men (64%). Three-quarters were less sexually active than before stroke. Multivariable analyses showed that anxiety, sleep problems, manifested sexual complaint, decrease in sexual activity and fear of partner rejection were significantly associated with low odds of sexual satisfaction, while affectionate support and partnership satisfaction were significant for sexual satisfaction. When combined in a biopsychosocial multivariable model only fear of partner rejection (OR 0.07; 95 % CI: 0.01–0.42) and decrease in sexual activity (OR 0.11; 95 % CI: 0.02–0.58) showed significant contribution to sexual satisfaction. Conclusion The variety of predictors for sexual satisfaction indicates that therapeutic actions need to be individualized and points towards a broad assessment and interventional approach to meet the sexual rehabilitation needs of stroke patients with cognitive impairments in need of specialized rehabilitation. Vikan JK, Snekkevik H, Nilsson MI, et al. Sexual Satisfaction and Associated Biopsychosocial Factors in Stroke Patients Admitted to Specialized Cognitive Rehabilitation. Sex Med 2021;9:100424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannike K Vikan
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway.
| | | | - Marie I Nilsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Function Area Social Work in Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan K Stanghelle
- Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amy Østertun Geirdal
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kerstin S Fugl-Meyer
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
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16
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Michael S, Skaczkowski G, Wilson C. Sexual satisfaction and sexual distress after cancer: The role of body image disruption, self-compassion, sexual pain and relationship satisfaction. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1902-1909. [PMID: 34157169 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5755] [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: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify variables that correlate with sexual satisfaction and sexual distress among adult cancer survivors, and how these differ, providing a basis from which approaches to intervention may be identified. This study examined four key variables: body image disruption, self-compassion, relationship satisfaction and sexual pain, previously all linked to sexual quality of life. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted online, with participants (n = 113) recruited via cancer charities, support groups and sexual counsellors' networks. A multivariate multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyse relationships among variables. RESULTS In a regression adjusted for age, sex and time since diagnosis, higher sexual distress was significantly associated with higher body image disruption (β = 0.23; p = 0.024), lower self-compassion (β = -0.29; p = 0.009) and higher sexual pain (β = 0.39; p < 0.001); but not relationship satisfaction (β = -0.08; p = 0.434). Higher sexual satisfaction was significantly associated with higher relationship satisfaction (β = 0.35; p = 0.002) and lower sexual pain (β = -0.29; p = 0.005), but not body image disruption (β = -0.19; p = 0.089), or self-compassion (β = 0.06; p = 0.614). Sexual pain had a significantly stronger association with sexual distress than sexual satisfaction; F (1, 84) = 18.29, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Sexual distress and sexual satisfaction are associated with different psycho-social correlates even though both are used as indicators of sexual health. Research should seek to further understand the differences in these two critical markers of sexual health, with these differences likely to highlight the need to match interventions to the nature of the sexual difficulties experienced following cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Michael
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gemma Skaczkowski
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carlene Wilson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Cyr MP, Dumoulin C, Bessette P, Pina A, Gotlieb WH, Lapointe-Milot K, Mayrand MH, Morin M. A Prospective Single-Arm Study Evaluating the Effects of a Multimodal Physical Therapy Intervention on Psychosexual Outcomes in Women With Dyspareunia After Gynecologic Cancer. J Sex Med 2021; 18:946-954. [PMID: 33931347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspareunia affects most women after treatment for gynecologic malignancies. However, to date, evidence-based interventions remain limited and no study has examined the effects of multimodal physical therapy on psychosexual outcomes in these patients. AIM To assess the effects of multimodal physical therapy on psychosexual outcomes including sexual distress, body image concerns, pain anxiety, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy and depressive symptoms in women with dyspareunia after treatment for gynecologic malignancies. METHODS Thirty-one gynecologic cancer survivors with dyspareunia enrolled in this prospective single-arm interventional study. The participants undertook 12 weekly sessions of physical therapy incorporating education, pelvic floor muscle exercises with biofeedback, manual therapy and home exercises. Outcome measures were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Paired t-tests were conducted to investigate the changes from pre-treatment (P-value ˂ 0.05) while effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated to measure the magnitude of the change. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised), body image concerns (Body Image Scale), pain anxiety (Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), pain self-efficacy (Painful Intercourse Self-Efficacy Scale) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II). RESULTS Significant changes were found from pre- to post-treatment for all psychosexual outcomes. Women reported reductions in sexual distress (P ˂ 0.001, d = 1.108), body image concerns (P ˂ 0.001, d = 0.829), pain anxiety (P ˂ 0.001, d = 0.980), pain catastrophizing (P ˂ 0.001, d = 0.968) and depression symptoms (P = 0.002, d = 0.636) with an increase in pain self-efficacy (P ˂ 0.001, d ≥ 0.938) following the intervention. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that multimodal physical therapy significantly improves sexual distress, body image concerns, pain anxiety, pain catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy and depressive symptoms in our sample of women with dyspareunia after treatment for gynecologic malignancies. The medium to large effect sizes obtained with the high proportion of women presenting meaningful changes according to the known minimal clinically important difference or clinical cut-off underlines the significance of these effects. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The current study used validated questionnaires to assess the psychosexual outcomes of a well-designed physical therapy intervention using multiple modalities to address the multifaceted aspect of dyspareunia in cancer survivors. This study did not include a control group, which may limit drawing definitive conclusions. CONCLUSION Findings showed that multimodal physical therapy yielded significant improvements in psychosexual outcomes in gynecologic cancer survivors with dyspareunia. A randomized controlled trial is indicated to confirm these results. Cyr M-P, Dumoulin C, Bessette P, et al. A Prospective Single-Arm Study Evaluating the Effects of a Multimodal Physical Therapy Intervention on Psychosexual Outcomes in Women With Dyspareunia After Gynecologic Cancer. J Sex Med 2021;18:946-954.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Cyr
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chantale Dumoulin
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Center of the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul Bessette
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annick Pina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Walter Henry Gotlieb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Korine Lapointe-Milot
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Mayrand
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Morin
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
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18
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Walker LM. Psychosocial contributors to patients' and partners' postprostate cancer sexual recovery: 10 evidence-based and practical considerations. Int J Impot Res 2020; 33:464-472. [PMID: 33204005 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-00369-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sexual recovery after prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is challenging. When expectations are that erectile response will quickly return to baseline, patients can often struggle when this does not happen. Further difficulty is experienced when patients encounter physical, psychological, and relational barriers to sexual adjustment. Drawing on the psychosocial research literature and on 15 years of clinical experience counseling PCa patients about sexual recovery, this paper outlines considerations for clinical practice. Suggestions include broadening the target for successful outcomes after Pca treatment beyond erectile function to include sexual distress and other sources of sexual concern. Clinicians are urged to consider individual differences such as the larger context of the patient, including their values and preferences, their treatment goals, and their relationship situation and status, in order to promote successful sexual adaptation. When introducing treatment approaches, the role of grief and loss should be assessed, and patients should be supported to foster realistic expectations about the recovery process. Suggestions for how to introduce various sexual strategies to patients are also offered, including ways to support patients in making and sustaining behavioral changes associated with sexual intervention. Clinicians are offered suggestions to promote patients' sexual flexibility, prevent long periods of sexual inactivity, and help patients to identify various sexual motivators. Consideration of these psychological, relational, and social factors are all likely to help facilitate better sexual outcomes for PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Walker
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Division of PsychoOncology, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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19
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Toivonen K, Santos-Iglesias P, Walker LM. Impact of Vulvovaginal Symptoms in Women Diagnosed with Cancer: A Psychometric Evaluation of the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging Questionnaire. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 30:1192-1203. [PMID: 33048004 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Vulvovaginal symptoms (VVS), such as dyspareunia, dryness, and itching, are common following cancer treatment and can negatively impact sexual well-being, daily activities, mood, self-concept, and overall quality of life. Information about the impact of VVS after cancer treatment is scarce, mainly because of a dearth of validated measures. This study aimed to validate the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire, which assesses impact of VVS on women's lives, in a sample of women with cancer. Methods: Women diagnosed with cancer (n = 202) completed a questionnaire package, including the DIVA and measures of VVS, sexual function, and sexual distress. Data were collected as part of study evaluating an educational workshop. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine whether the factor structure of the DIVA in this population reflected that of the original validation study. Results: CFA showed that the DIVA assesses VVS impact on four domains: activities of daily living, sexual functioning, emotional well-being, and self-concept and body image. All subscales showed excellent internal consistency reliability; however, item analyses indicated that items in the activities of daily living subscale showed very low means. Correlations with sexual function and distress provided evidence that the DIVA assesses impact of VVS. Conclusions: This is the first study aimed at validating the DIVA in women treated for cancer. Results provide evidence of the DIVA's utility in assessing the impact of VVS on four relevant domains. Although issues with certain scale items need to be resolved in future research, the DIVA provides opportunity to understand the impact of VVS after cancer treatment, to address unmet needs of cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsti Toivonen
- Department of Psychology and University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Pablo Santos-Iglesias
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Cape Breton University, Sydney, Canada
| | - Lauren M Walker
- Department of Psychology and University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Santos-Iglesias P, Bergeron S, Brotto LA, Rosen NO, Walker LM. Preliminary validation of the Sexual Distress Scale-Short Form: Applications to Women, Men, and Prostate Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2020; 46:542-563. [PMID: 32393102 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1761494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) can be used to assess sexual distress in women, men, and prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. Despite its strong psychometric properties, researchers and clinicians could benefit from a short form of the scale. Two studies were conducted to develop (Study 1) and validate (Study 2) a short form of the SDS (SDS-SF) using samples of women, men, and PCa survivors from previous studies. Results of Study 1 suggested a 5-item SDS-SF. Study 2 showed that the SDS-SF items clustered in one factor with good fit across the three samples and excellent reliability. Sexual distress was associated with higher sexual bother, and poorer sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and relationship quality. The SDS-SF discriminated participants with and without distressing sexual problems. The SDS-SF facilitates the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings by providing a quick way of screening patients with high levels of sexual distress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Lauren M Walker
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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