1.
J Sex Marital Ther
; 48(8): 819-832, 2022.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1784086
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.