This study examines the relationship between depressive tendencies and sexual satisfaction in women, as well as the role of psychotherapy in moderating these effects. Seventy-two women aged 18 to 65 with depressive tendencies were randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving 12 weekly psychotherapy sessions) or a control group (receiving none). Depression and sexual satisfaction were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W). Data collection occurred at baseline and post-intervention. Results indicated a significant inverse relationship between depressive tendencies and sexual satisfaction (r = -0.408, p 0.001), with depression explaining 16.67% of the variance in sexual satisfaction (B = -0.851, p 0.001). However, no significant link was found between depression and sexual communication (r = 0.045, p = 0.706), suggesting that while depression affects sexual satisfaction, it may not directly impact communication within couples. The findings underscore the detrimental impact of depressive symptoms on sexual satisfaction, affecting intimacy and overall sexual experiences. Demographic and contextual factors also play a role, with women particularly vulnerable to the interplay between depression and sexual health. Compared to men, women experience greater reductions in sexual desire and pleasure due to depression, influenced by psychological and cultural factors such as body image concerns and societal expectations. While research on sexual satisfaction in depressed women remains limited, existing evidence supports the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in improving both mental health and intimacy. Future studies should further explore the dual impact of psychotherapy on depression and sexual satisfaction to enhance overall well-being in affected individuals.
Rusu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.