Effects of Group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy versus Supportive Sex Education on Sexual Concordance and Sexual Response Among Women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.
Meredith L Chivers, Bozena Zdaniuk, Martin L Lalumière, Lori A Brotto
The Journal of Sex Research 2025 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2319695 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 148 |
| Population | Cisgender women with low sexual desire and arousal |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Supportive sex education |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, with assessments at 6- and 12-month follow-ups |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 9 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increased sexual concordance more than supportive sex education, and gains in concordance predicted improvements in sexual distress. |
Abstract
Low interest in sexual activity and impaired sexual response are among women's most frequent sexual concerns. Mindfulness-based treatments improve low sexual desire and arousal and associated distress. One theorized mechanism of change is the cultivation of increased mind-body awareness via greater concordance between psychological and physiological components of sexual response. We examined sexual psychophysiology data from 148 cisgender women randomized to receive mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MCBT: n = 70) or supportive sex education (STEP: n = 78) over eight weekly group sessions. Women completed in-lab assessments of subjective, affective, and genital sexual responses to an erotic film pre- and post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Both groups showed positive changes in sexual and affective responses, but these were generally more pronounced for MBCT. MCBT increased sexual concordance to a greater degree, and gains in sexual concordance predicted improvements in sexual distress throughout treatment.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Sexual Dissatisfaction and Relationship Intimacy among Nigerian Couples in Southwest, Nigeria Federal University Gusau Faculty of Education Journal March 4, 2026
- Sexual Mindfulness and the Libido of Generativity: A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Future-Oriented Desire and Couple Well-Being Sexes November 25, 2025
- A Preliminary Investigation Into the Moderating Effects of Relationship Factors on Improvements in Sexual Desire and Distress Following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. Archives of Sexual Behavior October 22, 2025
- Impact of mindfulness versus supportive sex education on stress in women with sexual interest/arousal disorder. Journal of Behavioral Medicine August 1, 2024
Cites 6
- Mindfulness and Sex Education for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: Mediators and Moderators of Treatment Outcome. The Journal of Sex Research May 2023
- A randomized trial comparing group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with group supportive sex education and therapy for the treatment of female sexual interest/arousal disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology July 2021
- A Pilot Study of Eight-Session Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Adapted for Women's Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. The Journal of Sex Research September 2017
- Disciplined Improvisation: Characteristics of Inquiry in Mindfulness-Based Teaching. Mindfulness 2015
- A feasibility study of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice April 13, 2011
and 1 more in the library