A Pilot Study of Eight-Session Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Adapted for Women's Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.
Laurel Q P Paterson, Ariel B Handy, Lori A Brotto
The Journal of Sex Research September 2017 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1208800 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot pre-post intervention study Randomized Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 26 |
| Population | Women with a diagnosis of sexual interest/arousal disorder, mean age 43.9 years (range 25-63) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) |
| Duration | Eight weekly group sessions; assessments before and after the intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Women with sexual interest/arousal disorder who completed eight weekly group MBCT-S sessions reported significant improvements in sexual desire, overall sexual function, and sex-related distress from baseline, regardless of treatment expectations, relationship duration, or low desire duration. Depressed mood and mindfulness also improved significantly and mediated the increases in sexual function. The authors suggest MBCT-S is feasible and provides a basis for a larger randomized controlled trial. |
Abstract
While few treatment options exist for low sexual desire and arousal, the most common sexual dysfunction in women, a growing body of research supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based approaches. The mechanisms underlying improvements, and whether they are due to mindfulness practice or other treatment components, are unclear. As a result, we designed and pilot-tested an eight-session group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) program that includes more extensive practice of mindfulness skills and closely aligns with the evidence-based MBCT program for depression and anxiety. A total of 26 women (mean age 43.9, range 25 to 63) with a diagnosis of sexual interest/arousal disorder participated in eight weekly group sessions, before and after which they completed validated questionnaires. The majority of women attended all sessions and completed the recommended at-home mindfulness exercises. Compared to baseline, women reported significant improvements in sexual desire, overall sexual function, and sex-related distress, regardless of treatment expectations, relationship duration, or low desire duration. Depressed mood and mindfulness also significantly improved and mediated increases in sexual function. These pilot data suggest that eight-session MBCT-S is feasible and significantly improves sexual function, and provide the basis for a larger randomized-controlled trial (RCT) with a longer follow-up period.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 21
- Psychedelics and sexual functioning: a mixed-methods study Scientific Reports February 7, 2024
- The Effect of Mindfulness‐Based Sexual Counseling on Sexual Distress, Attitude Toward Sexuality, and Body Image Concerns in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health June 9, 2023
- 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
- Interoceptive experiences and ecological care: an embodied approach within therapeutical realms Frontiers in Psychology February 9, 2024
- Assessment of the effect of mindfulness monotherapy on sexual dysfunction symptoms and sex-related quality of life in women Sexual Medicine June 1, 2023
and 16 more in the library
Cites 19
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Theory and Practice The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 2012
and 14 more in the library