The Effect of Cognitive- Behavioral Counseling on the Sexual Compatibility of New Married Couples: A Clinical Trial Study 

Abstract

Objective: sexual desire is an integral part of an identity and character of a human being, that affect how to behave with spouse. This study aimed to study the effect of cognitive-behavioral counseling (CBT) on sexual compatibility of new married couples in Sanandaj City in 2018. Method: This was a randomized clinical trial study and participants were 80 new married couples whose information was recorded at the premarital counseling centers that were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Intervention group received 8 weekly 120-minute sessions of group consultation with cognitive-behavioral approach. Data were collected before the intervention, after 8 weeks of counseling, and two months after the last counseling session using the National Sexual Compatibility Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square inferential statistics and independent t-test or nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. analysis of covariance was used to control of potential confounders. Results: The mean values of sexual compatibility in two intervention and control groups before counseling were 94.20±3.30 and 93.41±6.84 respectively. These scores reached to 100.11±2.96 in the intervention group and 98.83±3.66 in the control group immediately after the intervention. Also two months after the end of counseling, this rate was 101.98±4.03 in the intervention group and 98.83±3.66 in the control group. The intra-group comparison of sexual adjustment scores before and after counseling and two months after the intervention, showed a statistically significant difference (P <0.001). The trend of changes in the control group was not significant (P >0.05). There was a significant difference between two groups in level of scores two months after the intervention (P <0.001). Conclusion: CBT was effective in improving the level of sexual compatibility between new married couples. It is recommended to use this method of counseling, along with other services provided at pre-marriage counseling centers, to continue and improve the quality of sex and vitality of couples.