Relationship adjustment and dyadic interaction in couples with sexual pain disorders: a critical review of the literature

Dyspareunia and vaginismus are frustrating women's health problems that only recently have received important research attention. Experiencing pain and vaginal penetration difficulties are intimate sexual problems directly involving the partner, yet few studies have focused on the investigation of dyadic factors and relationship adjustment in couples with a sexual pain disorder. This review critically examines the existing clinical and research literature and draws on lessons from the chronic pain literature where appropriate. The discussion focuses on global relationship adjustment and characteristics and response styles of the asymptomatic partner. Methodological shortcomings in the existing literature are highlighted, and we suggest that an investigation focusing on the interactional patterns of couples with a sexual pain disorder as an effective target when trying to understand the role of dyadic factors in maintaining and exacerbating sexual pain disorders.