The Impact of Mindfulness Therapy on Sexual Satisfaction in Couples Living with Neurological Disabilities: A Phenomenological Analysis of a Single Case

• Published in: Sexuality and disability 2022-09, Vol.40 (3), p.519-538
• Main Authors: Seliman, Merna, Dragan, Martin, Connolly, Maureen, Ditor, David S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Case Report; Community and Environmental Psychology; Couples; Intervention; Interviews; Intimacy; Mindfulness; Multiple sclerosis; Psychology; Rehabilitation Medicine; Sexual Behavior; Sexual satisfaction; Sexuality; Urology
• ISSN: 0146-1044; 1573-6717
• DOI: 10.1007/s11195-022-09738-y

Research regarding sexuality following neurological disabilities has focused on either men or women separately, without considering couples and how intimate relationships may be influenced. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the effects of a modified 8-week mindfulness intervention on sexual satisfaction in a couple where one partner was living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). One couple with the female living with relapsing remitting MS and an able-bodied male participated in the study. The mindfulness intervention was administered to the couple via a booklet and the mindfulness exercises were explained verbally after the baseline interview. The booklet contained a total of eight mindfulness-based exercises for each week of the intervention. The mindfulness exercises from week one to week five were to be completed individually while Sensate Focus exercises from week six to eight were completed as a couple. The exercises were carried out by the couple at home. In addition, the intervention included a psycho-education session at week five of the intervention. Data was collected through an in-depth phenomenological interview of the couple, conducted at baseline and following the completion of the 8-week intervention. The couple reported an improvement in communication, understanding, and awareness. Sensate Focus exercises enhanced intimacy between the couple. The findings of this study show promise for mindfulness-based therapies to enhance sexual satisfaction in couples living with neurological disabilities.