Explaining of Sexual Dissatisfaction in Dual Career Couples: a Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background & objectives: Today, the number of dual career couples is increasingly prevalent around the world. This lifestyle, despite the increase in the level of economic well-being, has caused marital problems due to pressures, role conflicts and the nature of their lives. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain the sexual dissatisfaction based on the lived experiences of working couples. Methods: The present study was a qualitative study with an interpretive phenomenological approach conducted with the participation of 13 working couples. Participants were purposefully selected from those referred to Ardabil counseling centers according to the inclusion criteria. Prior to the interview, the study participants, after signing the informed consent form, responded to the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Scale for initial evaluation and entry into the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and coded, categorized and analyzed using the thematic analysis method of Depoy and Gitlin (1993). Results: Based on the answers of the participants in the study, the themes of experiences related to sexual dissatisfaction of dual career couples were categorized in 2 main themes of "unfavorable sexual and marital relations" and "difficulty in sexual assertiveness" and 7 subthemes and 19 categories. Conclusion:Based on the findings of the present study, the sexual dissatisfaction of dual career couples has sexual, functional and marital dimensions. The findings of the present study can be used in the field of pathology, prevention and treatment of marital and sexual problems of working couples in private counseling centers and organizations.