The Relationship between Dysfunctional Sexual Beliefs and Sexual Quality of Life in Married Women

Background & aim: Dysfunctional sexual beliefs are misconceptions about sexual responses that hinder couples from achieving their ideal relationships and often lead to conflicts. Previous research suggests that addressing these beliefs can enhance women's sexual quality of life. However, due to limited evidence, this study aimed to determine the relationship between dysfunctional sexual beliefs and sexual quality of life in married women.Methods: This descriptive correlational study involved 200 married women aged 18-49 who visited health centers in Mashhad, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire for Women (SDBQ), and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was employed, which included listing the five health districts of Mashhad and selecting 10 centers (two from each district) based on proportional sampling. One working day per month was randomly assigned to each center for participant selection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 statistical software and the Pearson tests.Results: The average age of married women was 34.3±6.4 years. The total score of dysfunctional sexual beliefs in women was 84.5±13.5, and the total score of sexual quality of life in the studied women was 65.0±5.8. The Pearson correlation coefficient between dysfunctional sexual beliefs and sexual quality of life in the studied women was negative and significant (P<0.001, r=-0.248).Conclusion: Dysfunctional sexual beliefs significantly negatively impact the sexual quality of life in married women. The counseling approach for women with low sexual quality in identifying and correcting dysfunctional sexual beliefs is recommended.

The Relationship between Dysfunctional Sexual Beliefs and Sexual Quality of Life in Married Women Keywords:

dysfunctional sexual beliefs , Sexual Quality of Life , Women