Background & Aims: One of the most important factors that have been considered in marital relationships is the sexual relations and sexual functions of couples such as sexual function and sexual self-expression, which if not properly realized can lead to many problems in married life and themselves. Show in the form of various marital problems (1). Among sexual issues, the term sexual fulfillment is defined as a psychosocial feeling defined by a person's personal interpretation of how his or her feelings are expressed in a marital relationship (4,5). In this regard, the study of Zarenejad et al. (1398) showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between low sexual fulfillment and sexual dissatisfaction (7).
However, many factors affect sexual fulfillment, including the role of intimacy, violence, and attitudes toward sexuality (11). But one of the most important variables that plays a role in this is sexual self-expression, which is the ability to express feelings, beliefs, thoughts and rights in a logical way (12). In this regard, the results of the study of Westimer and Laporte (2018) indicated that the sexual function of couples is strongly influenced by sexual relations and their sexual expressions; Because sexual expression and dialogue of couples about sexual issues, sexual desires and preferences (14).
There are few studies on sexual issues and sex education in men and many men feel ashamed and guilty of raising and talking about their sexual issues and problems, so their problems in the form of anxiety, depression, They show sleep disorders or problems and diseases of the genital tract. In addition, many men are unaware of its effect on marital dissatisfaction as well as dissatisfaction with their lives (15). Therefore, providing sexual interventions and training is very important due to awareness, education and treatment.
Methods: The research method of the present study, according to its subject, was a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test with a control group. The sample of the present study included 40 people from the statistical population (90 people) who were selected based on the available sampling method and taking into account the entry and exit criteria. And were randomly divided into 2 groups of intervention based on sexual intelligence (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Then, they completed the Halbert Sexual Achievement Index (HISD) and Apt (1992) questionnaires and the Snell et al. (1988) Spouse Sexual Self-Expression Scale before, immediately after, and one month later. Admission criteria were: completing the consent form to participate in the training program, not having psychological problems, minimum diploma literacy to answer the questionnaires and exit criteria were: having psychological problems, taking psychiatric drugs and Refusal to participate in the training program.
Results: The results of statistical analysis in the present study showed that in the variables of sexual fulfillment (P = 0.006, P = 0.001) and sexual self-expression (F = 211.510, P = 0.001) between three different stages of measurement There is a significant difference.
The results of Bonferroni test also showed that the difference between the scores of the variables in the pre-test and post-test stages as well as the pre-test and follow-up stages was significant (P <0.01), while the difference between the post-test and follow-up stages was significant. Not significant (P> 0.01). This finding means that sexual intelligence intervention training not only increased male sexual fulfillment and sexual self-expression in the experimental group, but also had a lasting effect in the follow-up phase. As a result, the research hypothesis that sexual intelligence intervention training has an effect on sexual fulfillment and sexual self-expression of couples (men) was confirmed.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that education based on sexual intelligence is effective on sexual fulfillment and sexual self-expression of male couples. In this regard, the results of Martha et al. (2011) showed that the provision of sex education had a significant effect on the promotion of healthy sexual behaviors in married students (20). In explaining these findings, it can be said that sexual intelligence is a set of internal resources that allows a person to relax, be present in the moment, communicate, react to arousal in different situations, create a physical and emotional bond with a sexual partner and has a component. Information and awareness are emotional, sensory and verbal skills, body awareness and cognition, and comfort and satisfaction (17). In fact, by training sexual intelligence, people become more assertive in expressing their emotions. In this regard, Reed and Saunders (2020) report that people with self-expression skills are not shy and can express their feelings clearly, directly and without violence, aggression and insults. It is very difficult for some people to express emotions, especially love. This is while self-expression is highly correlated with love, affection, attention, trust and understanding. Thus, lack of sexual arousal causes a sexual problem to persist for a long time; Because it will not be resolved until the issue is discussed and may lead to sexual dissatisfaction (29).
Therefore, it can be said that sexual intelligence training by increasing the correct information from reliable sources, increasing awareness about knowing your body, increasing sexual self-awareness of your sexual personality, makes people develop emotional skills and the ability to communicate honestly and effectively. Mind, consciously regulate their emotions and even increase sexual conversations with their sexual partner (5). In these trainings for couples, it was repeatedly emphasized that "increasing communication" and "friendship" are the key aspects of sexual intelligence. Thus, sex education leads people to feel more empowered in their sexual fulfillment and on the other hand to show a lot of sexual self-expression (19).