Volume 27, Issue 6 (8-2020)
RJMS 2020, 27(6): 126-136 |
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Siyadati S M, Rahimian Boogar I. The Role of Personality and Psychological Coping Mechanisms in Predicting Sexual Dysfunction in Women. RJMS 2020; 27 (6) :126-136
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9101-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9101-en.html
Abstract: (7 Views)
Background & Aims: Sexual dysfunction is defined as a disturbance in desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain, which may result from multiple anatomical, physiological, medical, and psychological factors. It can cause severe distress and significantly affect quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Cognitive components include attitudes, beliefs, knowledge about sexuality, and skills such as attention and concentration. Maladaptive cognitions play a significant role in how individuals interpret information in sexual situations and, ultimately, in the sexual response cycle. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions, as it targets distorted interpretations, guides negative self-talk, corrects irrational thought patterns, and modifies dysfunctional cognitions. It aims to promote effective coping responses and regulate negative emotions alongside other interventions. CBT is a set of psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at reducing psychological problems and has been shown to be more effective than other psychological approaches. It helps individuals better understand the underlying factors causing psychological imbalance. Various factors influence human sexual desire, function, and behavior, including physiological, anatomical, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects. Several contributors to sexual dysfunction include mental health status, sexual relationships, partner’s sexual performance, chronic diseases, diabetes, pregnancy, and postpartum conditions. Among these, one factor potentially influencing sexual dysfunction is personality-related characteristics. Research suggests that personality traits and coping mechanisms may serve as mediating factors in the development or prevention of sexual dysfunction in women. Early developmental experiences, interpersonal relationships, and stages of personality formation play a crucial role in shaping sexual identity, orientation, and function, potentially leading to either improved or impaired sexual performance. Furthermore, coping mechanisms can play a pivotal role in preventing sexual dysfunction. When individuals use problem-focused coping strategies in stressful situations, their stress is reduced, which may enhance sexual functioning. In contrast, emotion-focused coping in critical situations may increase stress and anxiety, thereby contributing to sexual dysfunction. Given the above, a research gap exists, as most studies have not specifically addressed the role of personality traits and coping strategies in predicting sexual dysfunction, particularly among women. This study, therefore, aims to examine the role of personality and psychological coping mechanisms in predicting sexual dysfunction in women. Based on the existing literature, it is inferred that personality and psychological coping mechanisms may play a fundamental role in female sexual dysfunction. Accordingly, this study seeks to answer the following question: Can personality and psychological coping mechanisms predict sexual dysfunction in women?
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-retrospective cross-sectional design. The statistical population consisted of all married women in Semnan. A total of 200 married women who visited medical centers for periodic check-ups or other services in 2015 (2015 in the Iranian calendar) were selected through convenience sampling. Research instruments included the Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Lazarus Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and the NEO Personality Inventory. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The results indicated a significant negative correlation between neuroticism and sexual function, and a significant positive correlation between extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness with sexual function. However, no significant relationship was found between openness to experience and sexual function. Additionally, problem-focused coping strategies showed a significant positive association with sexual function, while emotion-focused coping strategies had a significant negative association. Regression coefficients revealed that, among personality variables, neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness contributed the most to the prediction of sexual function in women. Furthermore, problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies significantly explained the variance in sexual function.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the significant role of certain personality dimensions and psychological coping mechanisms in sexual functioning. These results can serve as effective guidance for mental health professionals, sex therapists, family counselors, and researchers. By focusing on interventions that strengthen effective coping styles, they can help improve the quality of marital relationships and individuals’ sexual health. This study faced several limitations, including the use of self-report tools, which may introduce response bias, as participants might present themselves more favorably than they actually are- potentially affecting the reliability of the findings. The limited number of studies conducted in this area, both in Iran and internationally, and restricted access to such resources made it challenging to compare the findings of this study with others. Additionally, poor cooperation from participants in completing and returning the questionnaires was another limitation encountered during the research.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-retrospective cross-sectional design. The statistical population consisted of all married women in Semnan. A total of 200 married women who visited medical centers for periodic check-ups or other services in 2015 (2015 in the Iranian calendar) were selected through convenience sampling. Research instruments included the Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Lazarus Coping Strategies Questionnaire, and the NEO Personality Inventory. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The results indicated a significant negative correlation between neuroticism and sexual function, and a significant positive correlation between extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness with sexual function. However, no significant relationship was found between openness to experience and sexual function. Additionally, problem-focused coping strategies showed a significant positive association with sexual function, while emotion-focused coping strategies had a significant negative association. Regression coefficients revealed that, among personality variables, neuroticism, extraversion, and agreeableness contributed the most to the prediction of sexual function in women. Furthermore, problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies significantly explained the variance in sexual function.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the significant role of certain personality dimensions and psychological coping mechanisms in sexual functioning. These results can serve as effective guidance for mental health professionals, sex therapists, family counselors, and researchers. By focusing on interventions that strengthen effective coping styles, they can help improve the quality of marital relationships and individuals’ sexual health. This study faced several limitations, including the use of self-report tools, which may introduce response bias, as participants might present themselves more favorably than they actually are- potentially affecting the reliability of the findings. The limited number of studies conducted in this area, both in Iran and internationally, and restricted access to such resources made it challenging to compare the findings of this study with others. Additionally, poor cooperation from participants in completing and returning the questionnaires was another limitation encountered during the research.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
