The mediating role of cognitive factors in relationship between childhood maltreatment and sexual dysfunction in women

Sexual dysfunction, as one of the most common disorders among women can affect their marital relationships and have negative consequences. Although the relationship between childhood maltreatment and sexual dysfunction has been confirmed, but little attention has been paid to the mediating factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate was conducted the mediating role of cognitive factors in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and female sexual dysfunction in a correlational study. The population of this study included all married female students of Shahroud universities. Four hundred married female students of Shahroud universities were selected using cluster sampling method, and participants responded to the Female Sexual Function index, Cognitive Avoidance Questionnaire , Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Cognitive Emotion Regulation questionnaire and Repetitive Thinking Questionnaire-10. Research data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, and SPSS and LISREL softwares. The results showed that there are correlations between the direct paths of the model, and cognitive factors mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and sexual dysfunction in females. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that childhood maltreatment and cognitive factors are risk factors for female sexual dysfunction; Therefore, it is important to pay attention to these factors in the prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunction.