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Cited by 60Sexual function and dysfunction studiesMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsSexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Mindfulness-based group therapy for men with situational erectile dysfunction: A mixed-methods feasibility analysis and pilot study

Bossio, Jennifer A., Basson, Rosemary, Driscoll, Miriam, Correia, Shauna, Brotto, Lori A.·2018·The Journal of Sexual Medicine
DOI 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.08.013
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Abstract

Abstract Introduction Recent advances in sexual health research support the benefits of mindfulness-based therapy (non-judgmental present-moment awareness) for the treatment of women’s sexual dysfunction. Aim To determine whether it is feasible to implement an adapted, empirically supported treatment protocol for female sexual dysfunction to the specific needs of men with situational erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods A mixed-methods approach was taken for this feasibility pilot study. A total of 10 men (Mage = 40.3, SD = 14.01, Range = 20–67) with a diagnosis of situational ED were recruited to participate in a 4-week mindfulness-based treatment group. The group was adapted from protocols shown to be effective for women with sexual dysfunction and edited to include content specific to situational ED. Sessions were 2.25 hours in length, included daily home-practice activities, and integrated elements of psychoeducation, sex therapy, and mindfulness skills. Men completed questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Functioning, Relationship Assessment Scale, Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, a treatment expectation questionnaire) at 3 time points (prior to treatment, immediately after treatment, and 6 months after treatment). 5 men (Mage = 44.4, SD = 15.76, Range = 30–67) participated in qualitative exit interviews. Main Outcome Measure Findings support the feasibility of adapting a mindfulness-based group treatment for situational ED. Results With respect to feasibility, the dropout rate was 10%, with 1 participant who did not complete the treatment. Comparisons between Time 1 and Time 3 self-reports suggested that this treatment protocol holds promise as a novel means of impacting erectile functioning (Cohen’s d = 0.63), overall sexual satisfaction (Cohen’s d = 1.02), and non-judgmental observation of one’s experience (Cohen’s d = 0.52). Participants’ expectations for the treatment were generally positive and correlated to self-reported outcomes (r = .68–.73). Qualitative analyses revealed 6 themes: normalization, group magic, identification of effective treatment targets, increased self-efficacy, relationship factors, and treatment barriers. Clinical Implications In a shift toward a biopsychosocial framework for the treatment of men’s sexual dysfunction, clinicians may consider incorporating mindfulness to address psychosocial and psychosexual components of dysfunction. Strength & Limitations This is the first study—to our knowledge—to adapt mindfulness protocols for use with men’s sexual dysfunction. Because this is a pilot study aimed at feasibility, the sample size is small and no control group was included, thus conclusions about efficacy and generalizability cannot be made. Conclusion The current study suggests that a mindfulness group therapy framework offers a feasible and potentially promising treatment avenue for men with situational ED.

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Authors
Bossio, J. A., Basson, R., Driscoll, M., Correia, S., & Brotto, L. A.
Affiliations
University of British Columbia (CA)
Corresponding author
Bossio, Jennifer A.
ORCID
Venue
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2018-10-01
Volume
15
Issue
10
Pages
1478-1490
ISSN
  • 1743-6095 (ISSN-L)
  • 1743-6109
DOI
10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.08.013
OpenAlex
W2894901953
Cited by
60
References
95
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 12
FWCI
6.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • The Journal of Sexual Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Keywords
mindfulness-based group therapy, treatment adaptation, sexual satisfaction, erectile function, treatment feasibility, treatment expectations, biopsychosocial model, psychosexual therapy, relationship factors, self-efficacy, barriers to treatment, psychoeducation, sex therapy, home practice, mindfulness skills, treatment discontinuation, exit interviews
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Erectile Dysfunction, Male, Middle Aged, Pilot Projects, Sexual Behavior, Young Adult, Mindfulness

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