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Cited by 59Sexual function and dysfunction studiesMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsPelvic floor disorders treatments

Mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy for provoked vestibulodynia: mediators of treatment outcome and long-term effects

Brotto, Lori A., Bergeron, Sophie, Zdaniuk, Bozena, Basson, Rosemary·2020·Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
DOI 10.1037/ccp0000473
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a chronic vulvo-vaginal pain condition affecting 8% of premenopausal women. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in managing pain and associated sexual and psychological symptoms, and a recent study found group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to be equivalent. Our goal was to examine the long-term outcomes of these treatments and to explore mediators of change. METHOD: Participants were 130 women diagnosed with PVD who had participated in a clinical trial comparing 8 weeks of group CBT to 8 weeks of group MBCT. Data were collected at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up periods. Outcomes focused on (a) pain with vaginal penetration, (b) pain elicited with a vulvalgesiometer, and (c) sex-related distress. Mediators of interest included pain acceptance (both pain willingness and activities engagement), self-compassion, self-criticism, mindfulness, decentering, and pain catastrophizing. RESULTS: All improvements in the 3 outcomes were retained at 12-month follow-up, with no group differences. Pain catastrophizing, decentering, and chronic pain acceptance (both scales) were mediators of improvement common to both MBCT and CBT. Changes in mindfulness, self-criticism, and self-compassion mediated improvements only in the MBCT group. CONCLUSIONS: Both MBCT and CBT are effective for improving symptoms in women with PVD when assessed 12 months later. The findings have implications for understanding common and potentially distinct pathways by which CBT and MBCT improve pain and sex-related distress in women with PVD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

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  • Psychological treatments based on cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance-based treatments for vulvar pain and sexual function have proved beneficial.

    “Psychological treatments based on cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance-based treatments for vulvar pain and sexual function have proved beneficial. 11-13”

    From Internet-based treatment for provoked vulvodynia: Factors associated with treatment outcomes (2025) · cites this paper as [13]

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Authors
Brotto, L. A., Bergeron, S., Zdaniuk, B., & Basson, R.
Affiliations
  • University of British Columbia (CA)
  • Université de Montréal (CA)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2020-01
Volume
88
Issue
1
Pages
48-64
ISSN
  • 0022-006X (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-2117
DOI
10.1037/ccp0000473
OpenAlex
W2994925517
Cited by
59
References
30
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 4
FWCI
5.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP-123271)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Pelvic floor disorders treatments
Keywords
provoked vestibulodynia, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, long-term treatment outcomes, pain acceptance, pain catastrophizing, decentering, self-compassion, self-criticism
MeSH terms
Adult, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Psychotherapy, Group, Sexual Behavior, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Vulvodynia, Catastrophization, Mindfulness

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