Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of quality of life; a satisfying sexual relationship is linked to better physical, psychological, and relationship health and well-being. In fact, people who maintain a satisfying, active sex life over time live longer than those who report lower sexual frequency and satisfaction. Yet problems with sexual function are extremely common, especially for women: chronic difficulties with sexual desire and/or arousal that are personally upsetting-Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD)-affects 7% to 23% of the general population. SIAD is linked to more healthcare costs, depressive symptoms and anxiety, and lower relationship satisfaction. Experts suggest that relationship factors play a critical role in SIAD and couple-based sex therapy is a common approach used by clinicians. However, there are no treatment options available for couples that have been tested in research to confirm that they work. The goal of this three-centre randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel 18-session cognitive-behavioural couple therapy (CBCT), offered online to increase accessibility, for an inclusive sample of women with SIAD compared to a waitlist control group. We expect that, compared to a waitlist control group, CBCT will lead to greater improvements in SIAD symptoms (e.g., higher sexual desire, lower sexual distress) and better sexual, relational, and psychological adjustment for both partners at post-treatment and 6-months later. We also expect that improvements in managing emotions will explain the treatment success of CBCT relative to the control group. Given that less than a third of those affected by SIAD access treatment, this study addresses the urgent need for an accessible couple-based treatment for the most common sexual dysfunction. Results will be used by clinicians to provide couples with a scientifically based, accessible treatment option, that will improve their sexual, relationship, and psychological health.