Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapies on Female Sexual Dysfunction
Keywords:
Meta-Analysis, Women’s Sexual Functioning, Mindfulness Therapy ProtocolsAbstract
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based therapies on women's sexual functioning using a meta-analytic approach.
Methodology: This study employed a meta-analysis methodology to integrate and analyze the results of various previously conducted research studies. The statistical population included all studies examining the impact of mindfulness-based therapies on female sexual dysfunction, which had been published in the Magiran and SID databases. The article search was conducted for studies published between 2014 and 2024 (1393 to 1403 in the Persian calendar). A meta-analysis data extraction worksheet was used to collect data, including research identifiers, sample characteristics, and statistical indicators. After screening, a total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria and were entered into the final analysis.
Findings: The results of the meta-analysis indicated that mindfulness-based therapies have a significant and positive effect on women's sexual functioning. The effect sizes in the fixed-effects and random-effects models were 1.22 and 1.45, respectively, suggesting a positive and moderate effect of mindfulness-based interventions. Further subgroup analyses revealed that the MBSR protocol (the 8-session Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) had the greatest effect on female sexual functioning compared to other protocols. Cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based sex therapy protocols also demonstrated positive effects, though to a lesser extent than MBSR.
Conclusion: Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based therapies may serve as an effective method for enhancing various aspects of women's sexual health.
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