Mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy improves sexual quality of life and reduces sexual distress in pregnant women
M. Iravani, Shahla Molavi, Saeed Ghanbari, Hedye Ahmadiyan
Discover Mental Health May 25, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-026-00366-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-blind randomized clinical trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 84 |
| Population | Pregnant women at 20–35 weeks of gestation |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy |
| Duration | Seven weekly sessions, with follow-up |
| Measures | Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, delivered as seven weekly sessions, significantly improved overall sexual quality of life and its dimensions and significantly reduced sexual distress in pregnant women compared with a control group, with distress reductions maintained at follow-up. The authors conclude the approach appears effective and propose integrating it into prenatal care. |
Abstract
Pregnancy is accompanied by numerous physical and psychological changes that can affect sexual quality of life and increase sexual distress in women. Identifying effective interventions to address these issues is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy on sexual distress and sexual quality of life in pregnant women. In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 84 pregnant women (20–35 weeks of gestation) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 41) using a block design. The intervention group participated in seven weekly sessions of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS). At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic characteristics, sexual distress, or sexual quality of life. Repeated measures analysis showed significant improvements in the intervention group compared with the control group in overall sexual quality of life and its dimensions (psychosexual feelings, sexual and relationship satisfaction, self-worthlessness, and sexual repression). Sexual distress scores were also significantly reduced in the intervention group after the intervention and at follow-up. Mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy appears to be an effective approach for enhancing sexual quality of life and reducing sexual distress in pregnant women. Integrating this intervention into prenatal care services may help promote the overall well-being of expectant mothers. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (IR.AJUMS.REC.1399.135) and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20200901048581N1) on September 21, 2020.