Explaining the effect of Alexithymia on women's sexual dysfunction based on social exchange theory

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship of Alexithymia and female sexual function by mediating social exchange styles. the research method was a descriptive correlational. The Statistical population was composed of all married women living in Tehran, of which 550 individuals participated in the study through online recall. The research tool included Toronto alexithymia scale, the Women's Sexual Function Scale and Social Exchange Styles Scale. Fitness of the proposed model was estimated through structural equation modeling (SEM) and using Lisrel software package. The mediating relationship in the proposed pattern were tested using the bootstrap procedure. The results of structural equation modeling indicating fitness of model and showed that alexithymia with the mediation of benefit-seeking style and overinvestment style had an indirect effect on sexual function. According to the results, in order to improve sexual function should be considered in social exchange styles. The findings of the present study provide a useful framework for identifying the influential components in the field of social psychology in women's sexual function that should be considered in prevention and treatment programs.