Self-Perceptions of Interpersonal and Sexual Functioning in Women with Mood Disorders: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Women with mood disorders are faced with the complex interpersonal issues that confront all women, as well as the potential disruption in their interpersonal functioning related to the nature of their disorder and the medical treatment required. The purposes of this study were to describe the self-perceptions of 34 women being treated medically for mood disorders regarding (a) their interpersonal and sexual functioning, (b) the causal explanations for perceived disruptions in interpersonal and sexual functioning, and (c) the effect their mood disorder has had on their functioning in these areas. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct the in-depth interviews. Results indicated that 76.5% (n = 26) of the women perceived that they were experiencing interpersonal disruption, and 55.9% (n = 19) perceived that they were experiencing sexual disruption at the time of the interviews. Moreover, 88.2 % (n = 30) reported that their mood disorder had an effect on their interpersonal relationships, and 79.4% (n = 27) reported that their mood disorder adversely affected their sexual relationships. Causal explanations related to the perceived disruptions in functioning were explored.

Research was conducted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the doctoral degree. The project was supported with funds from the Sigma Theta Tau Elizabeth McWilliams Miller Research Award. Appreciation is extended to Dr. Patricia A. Clunn for her guidance, and to Mr. Richard Sandifer for computer consultation.