Methodological issues in the study of sex therapy: effective components in the treatment of secondary orgasmic...

Three components commonly utilized in sex therapy for secondary orgasmic dysfunction (Sensate Focus I, Sensate Focus II, and ban on intercourse) were studied, with the aim of not only exploring their effects on therapy outcome but also, in part, of sensitizing investigators to the benefits of incorporating component analyses within larger investigations of therapy outcome. The subjects were 23 married couples with the problem of secondary orgasmic dysfunction in the wife. Subjects were administered a multicomponent therapy program over a 14-week period. Daily self-monitoring data were analyzed to assess the impact of Sensate Focus exercises and banning intercourse on both broad (e.g., enjoyment) and narrow (e.g., orgasmic response) criteria of therapeutic effectiveness. Results indicated that for females, sensate focus exercises, in combination with a ban on intercourse, led to a significant increase in level of enjoyment for subsequent noncoital sexual caressing as well as intercourse. Orgasmic responsiveness, however, was not affected. The methodological issues of broad versus narrow therapeutic effects, compliance with treatment, and cost-effective techniques for the study of sex therapy components are discussed.