Effect of attachment-based couple therapy on sexual satisfaction and intimacy

ABSTRACT

Seeking and keeping close relationship with relatives, particularly with spouse, is an important principle in lifetime. The present study was planned to assess the effect of attachment-based couple therapy on sexual intimacy and satisfaction. In this semi-experimental pretest-posttest study, 30 couples who were referred to Isfahan Cultural House were selected and randomly divided to two equal experimental and control groups. At first, sexual satisfaction and intimacy questionnaires were administered to both groups as the pretest, then experimental group experienced 8 attachment-based couples therapy session. Posttest was administered 2 weeks later and finally follow-up test was performed 2 months later. SPSS version 13 software, descriptive statistical indices and ANCOVA tests used to analyze data. Attachment-based couple therapy significantly improved sexual satisfaction in both posttest [F=512.211, P<0.001] and follow-up stages [F=789.405, P<0.001], as well as sexual intimacy improvement in posttest [F=818.63, P<0.001] and follow-up stages [F=1706.63, P<0.001]. Couple therapy based on attachment theory ameliorates marital relationship by improvement of sexual satisfaction and intimacy