The effect of emotional regulation training on the sexual function and sexual satisfaction of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) referring to Iranian MS Research Center

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects people's physical and mental aspects, including the quality of sexual relationships. In this study, the effect of emotional regulation training on the sexual function and sexual satisfaction of MS patients was investigated.

This quasi-experimental study was performed on 98 women with MS who were referred to the Iranian MS Research Center in 2016. The emotional regulation training program consisted of eight two-hour sessions. The demographic information, emotional regulation skills questionnaire (ERSQ), female sexual function inventory (FSFI) and sexual satisfaction scale for women (SSSW) questionnaires were completed before and after the intervention.

The emotion regulation status of 93.9 percent of the subjects was at a moderate and high level before the intervention, which increased by 100 percent after the intervention. In the case of sexual function and sexual satisfaction, the pre-test rate was 83.7 and 98.9 percent, respectively, which reached to 97 and 100 percent after intervention. The mean of emotional regulation, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction before intervention was 59.97, 20.24, and 92.00, which after intervention reached to 77.08, 26.98 and 95.38, respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant increase in the mean of the research variables after intervention (p <0.05).

Considering the efficacy of emotional regulation training intervention, it is recommended to design and implement such interventions for patients with MS. To this end, it will provide a circumstance for improving their sexual function and satisfaction and also their quality of life.