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Evaluating Sexual Psychoeducation in Couples With Sexual Desire Discrepancy

Sexual Desire

Sexual desire discrepancy (SDD) occurs when partners have different levels of sexual desire and are distressed by it. It is one of the most common reasons couples seek help, but no proven dyadic treatment currently exists. This study will test STEP, an online program designed to support couples with SDD. The investigators will compare two formats of STEP: one with therapist support and one self-guided, against a waitlist control group. The investigators will also assess how satisfied couples are and how they engage with the two online formats. This study will generate new data on how effective STEP is with and without guidance, and inform treatment guidelines.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    19 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be a couple;
2. Be in a romantic relationship for at least one year;
3. Be 19 years of age or older;
4. Experience perceived and/or actual SDD with personal and/or relational distress reported by at least one partner;
5. Be fluent in English;
6. Be willing to participate in 8 weekly online treatment sessions;
7. For couples in long-distance relationships, be able to meet the partner in person and via video call to complete the couple's homework;
8. Be willing to abstain from starting any new treatment for SDD for the duration of the study;
9. Be willing to voluntarily complete questionnaires administered before, during, and after the treatment;
10. Have access to an electronic device capable of running Zoom platform (if randomized to STEP-T);
11. Have a stable internet connection.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cases where the discrepancy is attributable to at least one partner identifying as asexual (asexuality is not considered a sexual dysfunction; APA, 2013);
2. Presence of untreated psychiatric conditions at the time of recruitment (e.g., depression) that would interfere with participating in the treatment and homework;
3. Receive dyadic psychosexual treatment for SDD elsewhere during the study period.

Study Location

University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Lori A Brotto

[email protected]
604 875 4111
UBC Sexual Health Lab, Vancouver Hospital
UBC Sexual Health Lab, Vancouver Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Contact Study Team

Study Sponsored By
University of British Columbia
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT07203417