The Effectiveness of Combined Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Moderating Negative Cognitive Bias on Sexual Self-Esteem and Sexual Function in Men with Erectile Dysfunction in Isfahan in 2019

Sexual self-esteem and low sexual function are among the functional consequences of erectile dysfunction; which necessitate the implementation of psychological interventions. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of combined cognitive-behavioral therapy and moderating negative cognitive bias on sexual self-esteem and sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction.

The statistical population of this quasi-experimental study included all men with erectile dysfunction in Isfahan in 2019. 30 men who received a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction based on receiving scores between 20-16 in the International Index of Erectile Function were selected as the statistical sample using available sampling and they were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The groups completed the International Index of Erectile Function (1997) and Sexual Self-Esteem (Zeanah and Schwarz, 1996) and after completing a combination of 8 sessions of 60 to 90 minutes (two sessions per week for 4 weeks) cognitive-behavioral therapy and 4 sessions of 60 to 90 minutes (1 session per week for 4 weeks) moderating negative cognitive bias in the experimental group, tools were completed in the groups. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and modulation of negative cognitive bias had a positive effect on increasing sexual self-esteem (p= 0.001, Eta=0.09) and sexual function (p= 0.001, Eta=0.04) in men with erectile dysfunction.

The use of combined cognitive-behavioral therapy and moderating negative cognitive bias is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention method to improve sexual self-esteem and sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction.