Effect of Counseling on the Sexual Satisfaction Level of Women with Sexual Dysfunction using PLISSIT Model Focused on Dysfunctional Sexual Beliefs

Background: Sexual satisfaction plays a vital role in the stability of a marriage. Dysfunctional sexual beliefs are often overlooked despite their recognition as factors negatively affecting sexual function and sexual satisfaction. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of counseling based on the PLISSIT model focused on dysfunctional sexual beliefs on the sexual satisfaction level of women with sexual dysfunction. Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 61 married females with sexual dysfunction during 2018-2019. The data were collected using Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire and Hudson s Index of Sexual Satisfaction. The intervention group received sexual counseling, whereas the control group received routine care. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) using the , Wilcoxon test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean ages of the females in the intervention and control groups were 35.5±5.6 and 36.7±6.7 years, respectively. Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant increase in mean sexual satisfaction scores in the intervention group after the intervention, compared to scores before the intervention (2.8±7.7 vs. 0.3±2.3) (P=0.03). In addition, Mann-Whitney U revealed a significant decrease in the scores of sexual dysfunctional beliefs in the intervention group after the intervention, compared to the scores of the control group before the intervention (27.3±14.5 vs. 1.0±1.2) (P 0.001). Implications for Practice: With regard to the positive effect of counseling on correcting sexual dysfunctional beliefs, it is recommended that counseling method be implemented to increase sexual satisfaction levels in women.