Incorporating mindfulness into an internet-based intervention for female sexual dysfunctions

This thesis presents four articles focusing on an online treatment for female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs). The treatment extended prior research by incorporating mindfulness and chat-groups. Article 1 reviews manualised FSD treatments. Articles 2, 3 and 4 present data from the online treatment

Incorporating mindfulness into an internet-based intervention for female sexual dysfunctions

This thesis presents four articles focusing on an online treatment for female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs). The treatment extended prior research by incorporating mindfulness and chat-groups. Article 1 reviews manualised FSD treatments. Articles 2, 3 and 4 present data from the online treatment

Self-concept clarity and women\u27s sexual well-being

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of self-concept clarity, a core structural aspect of self-concept, in women\u27s sexual well-being. A convenience sample of 261 women aged 18 years and over {M=25.8, &pound;D=7.9) completed an online survey that measured self-concept clarity, three aspects of sexual well-being (sexual self-ef&ntilde;cacy, sexual self-esteem and sexual satisfaction), and four structural dimensions of sexual identity (commitment, synthesis/integration, exploration, and orientation identity uncertainty). A series of multiple mediation analyses, followed by post-hoc bootstrap tests of the difference between mediation effects, revealed that self-concept clarity is indirectly related to the measures of sexual well-being, and that these relationships are mediated by the two &quot;investment-related&quot; dimensions of sexual identity: commitment and synthesis/integration. These results suggest that women with a more broadly and coherently integrated sexual identity are also better able to make healthy and positive choices in the sexual domain and experience more satisfaction with their sex lives, i^ore generally, the results highlight the potential importance of including structural aspects of self-concept in explanations of women\u27s sexual well-being.<br /

Manualized treatment programs for FSD : research challenges and recommendations

The use of manualized treatment programs offers a useful research framework for assessing psychotherapeutic interventions for female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs), but it does not address all issues related to methodological rigor and replication, and raises new research issues in need of discussion. Aims. The goals of this manuscript are to review the literature on treatment trials utilizing manualized psychotherapy treatments for FSD and to explore the benefits and research issues associated with the flexible use of treatment manuals. Methods. The method used was the review of the relevant literature. Results. While the use of manualized treatments for FSDs can address certain methodological issues inherent in psychotherapy research, flexibility in manual administration is necessary in order to allow tailoring for individual needs that can be beneficial to both the participant and the research. The flexible use of manuals, as opposed to strict manual adherence, may also be more relevant for clinical utility. Conclusions. In order to administer manualized treatments for FSDs with appropriate flexibility, while also maximizing internal validity and replicability, the authors recommend that predetermined decision rules be utilized to guide individual tailoring, that potential gaps in the manual be identified and addressed, and that differing levels of motivation and readiness for treatment be taken into consideration in the treatment protocol. Hucker A and McCabe MP. Manualized treatment programs for FSD: Research challenges and recommendations.<br /

Incorporating mindfulness and chat groups into an online cognitive behavioral therapy for mixed female sexual problems

The current randomized study evaluated an online cognitive behavioral therapy program for female sexual problems. PursuingPleasure (PP) consisted of six online modules that included psychoeducation, sensate focus, communication exercises, cognitive exercises, and e-mail contact with a therapist. PP incorporated mindfulness training and online chat groups as well as assessed partner sexual functioning. Participants demonstrated a completion rate of 57%, with 26 women with female sexual problems and related distress completing the program compared to a wait-list control group of 31 women also experiencing sexual problems and distress. Sexual problems reported by women in both groups included difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. The treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in all domains of female sexual response (except for sexual pain) and significant reductions in the reported frequency of sexual problems and distress. Partner sexual functioning showed positive change. Improvements in female sexual functioning and some improvements in male partner sexual functioning were maintained at three-month follow-up. Limitations and suitability of clients for this treatment approach for women who are geographically isolated, who are unable to attend face-to-face therapy, and who possess a high degree of motivation are discussed

A qualitative evaluation of online chat groups for women completing a psychological intervention for female sexual dysfunction

Because of the embarrassment that can surround female sexual dysfunctions, online interventions offer an anonymous and private treatment alternative. Recently, an online cognitive-behavioral treatment for female sexual dysfunctions was evaluated. Although significant improvements were observed in sexual functioning, the treatment was primarily a behavioral intervention because of difficulties with engaging participants in cognitive therapy over e-mail. To address this limitation, the use of chat groups was incorporated into a new online treatment for female sexual dysfunctions&mdash;the PursuingPleasure program. Thirty-eight women participated in the PursuingPleasure chat groups. The goals of the chat groups were to address and overcome challenges as women progressed through PursuingPleasure and to create a social support network where group therapy processes could be used. The chat groups aimed to address misunderstandings, monitor changes, and receive feedback. A qualitative analysis of the chat groups revealed that they helped to facilitate the cognitive-affective aspects of the program, as well as fulfill their other intended functions. This study demonstrates how the use of chat groups in the online treatment of female sexual dysfunctions is a useful addition to Internet-based treatment. Feedback suggests that the chat groups were one of the most helpful aspects of the program, although a small group of women reported finding the groups unhelpful

An online, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral therapy for female sexual difficulties : Impact on relationship functioning

This article presents the evaluation of an online treatment for female sexual difficulties as it relates to relationship functioning. Pursuing Pleasure was an online, mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral therapy for female sexual difficulties. In Study 1, 26 women completed treatment and changes were compared with a waitlist control group (n = 31). In Study 2, 16 women from the control group then completed treatment. The authors did not use a control group in Study 2. Results demonstrated that both treatment groups observed significant improvements in sexual intimacy and communication, and emotional intimacy improved significantly in the Study 1 treatment group. Most improvements were maintained at follow-up

Bulletin: Number 584: Commercially Prepared Infant Foods

13 pages, 1 article*Commercially Prepared Infant Foods* (Hucker, G. J.; Hucker, Alice M.) 11 page