The Effectiveness of Online Sensate Focus Exercises in Enhancing Sexual Function and Intimacy Among Chinese Heterosexual Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

We investigated the effectiveness of online Sensate Focus exercises, delivered online as a series of 11 animation videos, in improving participants’ sexual functioning and enhancing intimacy, relationship and sexual satisfaction. We studied 35 Chinese heterosexual couples, assessed them at pretest, post-test, and a three-month follow-up. Compared to the waitlist control group, the experimental group showed improvement in orgasm in women, and this was maintained at follow-up. Also, for those with a lower function at pretest, the intervention was possibly effective in improving erectile function among men, as well as overall sexual function and pain among women. These improvements were maintained at follow-up as well. Findings from the current study suggest that online Sensate Focus intervention has potential in treating sexual dysfunction of Chinese heterosexual couples. It may also serve as the first part of a stepped care approach or be integrated with other medication or cognitive behavioral therapy treatment.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data file can be obtained from the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The original data collections and the creation of the animation videos were funded by Fund: 11, Grant: SMEC 2021, Programs: 10405_Faculty Research Fund, 10405_Social Development Institute workshops, 10401_Faculty Research Fund, 10109_Pekka Santtila Startup Fund_RI from NYU Shanghai and NYU-ECNU Institute for Social Development; and 2021 Deans’ Undergraduate Research Fund award from NYU Shanghai to Sijia Huang.