The effectiveness of online interpersonal relationships-based psychoeducation in increasing sexual interest and arousal in women with sexual interest and arousal disorder

Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the effect of online interpersonal relationship-based psychoeducation on sexual interest and arousal levels in women with sexual interest and arousal disorders. Method: This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted between January 2025 and May 2025 with a total of 61 women in the experimental group (n=31) and the waitlist group (n=30). Women in the experimental group received an eight-week interpersonal relationship-based psychotherapy program via an online platform (www.cinselakademi.com). Data collection tools included the Personal Information Form, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and Interpersonal Relationship Dimensions Scale (IRDS). The usability of the application was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS-TR). Both groups were evaluated at three different time points: before psychotherapy, immediately after completing psychotherapy, and at the fourth-week follow-up. Results: This results showed that the individual characteristics of women in the experimental and waitlist groups, as well as their FSFI, SIDI-F, FSDS, and KIBÖ pretest scores, were similar. When comparing the post-test and follow-up test scores of the experimental group with those of the waiting group after psychoeducation, it was determined that the FSFI, SIDI-F, and KIBÖ scores were higher, while the FSDS scores were lower, and the differences between them were statistically significant (p<0.005). When examining the effect sizes, it was found that interpersonal relationship-based psychoeducation had a significant effect on changes in FSFI, SIDI-F, and FSDS total scores. The mean SUS-TR total score for women in the experimental group was 93.00 (SS=6.47). Conclusion: It was found that interpersonal relationship-based psychotherapy is effective and feasible in increasing women's sexual interest and arousal levels, reducing sexual distress, and positively developing their interpersonal relationships.