Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Sexual Dissatisfaction and Relationship Intimacy among Nigerian Couples in Southwest, Nigeria
Olugbenga Oladapo Ayena, Alimot Aderoju Olawoyin
Federal University Gusau Faculty of Education Journal March 4, 2026 DOI: 10.64348/zije.2026300 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 200 |
| Population | Married couples in Southwest Nigeria experiencing sexual dissatisfaction, defined as scoring below 50 on the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX); recruited from marital counselling clinics in Lagos and Ibadan |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) |
| Measures | Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX), Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBCT significantly improved sexual satisfaction and relationship intimacy relative to a wait-list control, with a significant group-by-time interaction across baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The authors report no significant difference between the mindfulness and cognitive restructuring components of MBCT. They conclude MBCT is effective and recommend it as a culturally sensitive intervention for Nigerian couples with sexual dissatisfaction and intimacy issues. |
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on sexual satisfaction and relationship intimacy among couples in Southwest Nigeria. The study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, with participants randomly assigned to either the MBCT intervention group or a wait-list control group. The population of this study comprised married couples in Southwest Nigeria experiencing sexual dissatisfaction, defined as scoring below 50 on the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX). A sample of 100 couples (N=200 individuals) was recruited through purposive sampling from marital counselling clinics in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria. Couples were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n=50 couples) or control group (n=50 couples). The instruments used to collect data for this study include Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX); Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR); and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The validity and reliability of the instruments are GMSEX: Cronbach's α = 0.88; PAIR: Cronbach's α = 0.92; and MAAS: Cronbach's α = 0.85. Results from this study revealed that there is a significant difference in sexual satisfaction and relationship intimacy between Nigerian couples receiving MBCT and those in the wait-list control group, with MBCT showing improvements in both outcomes; there is a significant interaction effect between treatment group (MBCT vs. control) and time (baseline, post-intervention, follow-up) on both sexual satisfaction and relationship intimacy in Nigerian couples; and that there is no significant difference in the effectiveness of specific components of MBCT (mindfulness, cognitive restructuring) on sexual satisfaction and relationship intimacy in Southwest Nigerian couples. The study concluded that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy significantly improves sexual satisfaction and relationship intimacy among Nigerian couples in Southwest Nigeria. Hence, the study recommends the implementation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as a culturally sensitive intervention for Nigerian couples experiencing sexual dissatisfaction and intimacy issues.
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
Cites 4
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Effects of Group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy versus Supportive Sex Education on Sexual Concordance and Sexual Response Among Women with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. The Journal of Sex Research 2025
- The effect of mindfulness interventions on couple relationship satisfaction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology June 1, 2025
- 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