Mindfulness-based therapies for men and women with sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Mindfulness based interventions (MBI) may be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction among men and women. A literature review identified seven trials for sexual dysfunction and MBI. Of these, four trials were Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) including a control-group wait list and three studies used within-subjects design. A meta-analysis synthesized the results across these trials which demonstrated an overall low to moderate effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.55). Moderate heterogeneity between studies was evident with possible publication bias. Sub-group analysis revealed differences between study weights, where overall higher effect sizes were found among RCTs (d = 0.65) than within subject design studies (d = 0.27). However, within subject design studies tended to include pre and post-physiological measurements (e.g. vaginal photoplethysmography), which may provide a more precise evaluation of the benefits of MBI, rather than studies based on self-report measures only. This review identified a gender inequality in which clinical trials predominated among women compared to men with a 6:1 ratio. Whilst MBI looks promising, significantly more research is needed, particularly among men, so that science, practice and policy can develop an understanding of the potential benefits of non-prescription intervention alternatives, or as a biopsychosocial adjunct, such as MBI, in support of those experiencing sexual dysfunction.

Keywords:

• Mindfulness based intervention
• sexual dysfunction
• gender
• inequality
• systematic review

View correction statement:

Correction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article was originally published with errors, which have now been corrected in the online version. Please see Correction (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2023.2287249).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samantha Banbury

Dr Samantha Banbury is a senior psychologist at London Met Uni. She is the course leader for the Counselling and Coaching BSc (Hons) course. Having approximately 10 years teaching experience, she has taught undergraduate and postgraduate students attending psychology, counselling, criminology and medical courses. Her research interests are varied but centre on sexual dysfunction, paraphilia, sexual behaviour including technology and offending behaviours. Clinically she has spent 20 years in the substance misuse field.

She has recently completed another MSc, in Health Psychology, and has commenced the London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy course.

https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/profiles/staff/samantha-banbury/

Email: [email protected]

Joanne Lusher

Dr Joanne M Lusher is a BPS Chartered and a HCPC Registered Health Psychologist. Dr Lusher is the Academic and Professional Lead for Health and Life Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland, London Campus, UK. Dr Lusher is also a Chartered Scientist with a PhD in Addiction. Her most recent research focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. She is part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing (MEHEWE) Study Group who are now working in collaboration with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) research group at the University of Washington. Dr Lusher has published over 65 articles in international and peer-reviewed journals.

COVID19 Publications: Lusher, J., Collins, G., and Chapman-Jones, D. (2020) Psychological support for healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing Management, 12^th May 2020.

Lusher, J., Murrell, A., Mafuva, C., and Awire, E., (2020) COVID-19 pandemic and the surge of panic attacks among NHS nursing staff: An ethnographical perspective. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76, 11, 2790-1. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14508.

Sarah Snuggs

Dr Sarah Snuggs is a Chartered Health Psychologist and Lecturer in the School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading and an Associate Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at London Metropolitan University. Her research interests include children and family eating behaviours and other health behaviours.

Selection of recent publications:

Snuggs, S & McGregor, S (2021). Food and meal decision making in lockdown: How and who has Covid-19 affected? Food Quality & Preference, 89

Osmanagaoglu, N, Cresswell, C, Snuggs, S, Stuifzand, S & Dodd, H (2021). Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale for children in a preadolescent sample. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 79.

Snuggs, S, Houston-Price, C & Harvey, K (2019). Development of a parental feeding goal measure: The Family Mealtime Goals Questionnaire. Frontiers in Psychology [Available online].

Snuggs, S, Houston-Price, C & Harvey, K (2019). Healthy Eating Interventions in the Family Home: A Systematic Review. Appetite, 140, 114-133.

Chris Chandler

Professor Chris Chandler is Head of Psychology at London Met. Chris is a psychobiologist with a special interest in addiction and mental health. He is author of several books including most recently Chandler, C., & Andrews, A. (2018). Addiction: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. Sage Publications Ltd.