Investigation of the Relationships among Self-Efficacy, Stress, and Dyspareunia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study examined whether low self-efficacy and heightened perceived stress were associated with dyspareunia at two timepoints during COVID-19. Sixty-two participants (31 with and 31 without dyspareunia) completed a longitudinal online survey. Self-efficacy declined during the pandemic, and individuals with dyspareunia reported lower self-efficacy compared to those without dyspareunia. Although stress was greater for those with dyspareunia, both groups reported stress reductions over time. Lower stress was associated with increases in self-efficacy. This study is the first to examine longitudinal trends of dyspareunia during the COVID-19 pandemic and illuminates psychological factors that may influence the experience of dyspareunia.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Anne Pattison and Suraya Meghji for their assistance with data management.

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

Caroline Pukall was supported by a CIHR Project Grant (FRN 148687) during the duration of the study.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, CP, upon request.