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2000
Volume 21, Issue 6
  • ISSN: 1573-4048
  • E-ISSN: 1875-6581

Abstract

Background

Considering the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among Iranian women and the effects of sexual self-concepts on sexual performance, further studies on the effects of sex counseling on the sexual self-concepts of brides-to-be seem necessary.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of EX-PLISSIT sex counseling on the sexual self-concepts of brides-to-be.

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 women visiting the premarital counseling centers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. The 15-plus-year-old brides-to-be were selected as participants and were then assigned to intervention and control groups with a randomized block design. Participants in the intervention group attended four 60–90-minute individual counseling sessions with an interval of one week in accordance with the EX-PLISSIT model, whereas those in the control group received routine premarital counseling. The researcher interviewed all participants before and four weeks after the intervention and then completed the Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Sexual Dysfunctional Belief Questionnaire.

Results

Results showed no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of demographics and the baseline scores of sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunction beliefs. The post-intervention mean score of negative sexual self-concept was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=-5.8, 95% confidence interval: -3.3 to -8.2, <0.001), and the post-intervention mean score of situational self-concept was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (mean difference=3.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.9 to 5.1, =0.004). However, results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in the post-intervention mean score of positive sexual self-concept (mean difference=-0.5, 95% confidence interval: -5.1 to 4.0, =0.815). In addition, the post-intervention mean score of sexual dysfunction beliefs was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=-15.3, 95% confidence interval: -20.1 to -10.5, <0.001).

Conclusion

The findings indicated the positive effects of EX-PLISSIT sex counseling on negative and situational sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunction beliefs in brides-to-be. Hence, this model is recommended to be used in combination with other sex counseling methods in order to improve the sexual health of brides-to-be.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

IRCT20110922007618N10

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2025-01-06
2025-10-31

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Effects of EX-PLISSIT Sex Counseling on Sexual Self-Concepts of Brides-To-Be: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Curr Womens Health Rev. 21, e15734048314126 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734048314126241206072903
/content/journals/cwhr/10.2174/0115734048314126241206072903
/content/journals/cwhr/10.2174/0115734048314126241206072903
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): EX-PLISSIT model; marriage; premarital counseling; Sex counseling; sexual dysfunction beliefs; sexual self-concept

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