Relationship Factors and Sexual Dysfunction: Implications for Assessment and Treatment

Conceptual issues pertaining to behavioural treatment of sexual dysfunctions are examined. A study is described in which twenty couples referred to an outpatient family therapy unit were assigned one of four group classifications based on their combined scores for specific measures of marital happiness and sexual functioning. The groups included asymptomatic-control, sexual dysfunction, marital conflict, and combined classifications. Results clearly indicate that sexual dysfunction and marital distress may operate independent of one another. Implications for assessment, treatment, and future research are discussed.