Researchers have developed a group couples therapy approach that might benefit patients with low sexual desire or low sexual frequency.
The method focuses on reclaiming erotic intimacy in the relationship, the authors explain in a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine study.
Typically, such sexual complaints are considered on an individual basis, as though one partner has a problem with low desire. However, unsatisfying sex itself may be the issue.
The researchers previously studied “extraordinary older lovers” in their 60s who had managed to maintain satisfying sexual relationships for decades, noting eight factors they considered essential for “optimal sexual experiences.” Factors included deep erotic intimacy, risk-taking, and good communication through speech and touch.
Based on this research, a group therapy program was developed. The researchers aimed to create a program that was convenient, affordable, and quickly accessible to many participants.
The process included 16 hours of group couples sex therapy with 6 to 12 participants (3 to 6 couples). At first, the groups met over the course of two consecutive weekends, but this plan was eventually changed to eight 2-hour sessions or four 4-hour sessions spaced over 8 weeks.
During the sessions, participants discussed conflict resolution, fostering trust, vulnerability, and focusing on pleasurable sensations. Homework was assigned, but none of the exercises included sexual activity.
The New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) was used to assess progress. Participants completed this questionnaire separately before therapy, at the close of therapy, and at a 6-month follow-up point. The researchers added 3 questions about sexual satisfaction, communication, and concerns about a partner’s negative feelings.
Forty-five couples (7 same-sex and 38 heterosexual) attended therapy. On average, they were about 43 years old. Fifty participants were women and 40 were men.
Overall, the couples saw significant improvements in many areas, most notably in sexual satisfaction. In addition, NSSS scores from pre-test to follow-up improved in the domains of sexual functioning, emotional opening up during sex, pleasure provided to partner, and frequency of sexual activities.
Couples who did not see improvements participated in programs occurring two over consecutive weekends. It’s possible that this schedule did not provide enough time for participants to experience positive changes, as outcomes for couples following the 8-week schedule were more positive.
“Our intervention suggests that with a modicum of continuing and sustained attention to the fundamentals of sexuality, relationship development and erotic intimacy, we can ‘treat’ low sexual desire or frequency,” the authors concluded.
They acknowledged that their small sample size was a limitation. Also, while overall participant feedback was good, some people did not feel the NSSS was an appropriate assessment tool, as it could not reflect the “magnitude” of their improvements.
Resources
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Kleinplatz, Peggy J., PhD, et al.
“Treatment of Low Sexual Desire or Frequency Using a Sexual Enhancement Group Couples Therapy Approach”
(Full-text. Published online: March 11, 2020)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30113-2/fulltext