Randomized controlled trial protocol to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention using information, motivation and behavioral skills model on sexual satisfaction of new couples in Iran

Background Sexual satisfaction is considered as one of the key factors in assessing a person’s quality of life and the quality and continuity of marital relationships. According to the results of reports in Iran, many couples are dissatisfied with their sexual lives. Sexuality education is one of the important strategies to prevent early sexual problems and improve sexual satisfaction. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the efficacy of sexual and marital enrichment package using information, motivation and behavioral skills model on sexual satisfaction of new couples in Iran to routine sexual care program that provided at governmental health centers. Methods This is a randomized, controlled, superiority trial with two parallel groups. One hundred new couples (n = 200) will be recruited and randomized with simple randomization method and a 1:1 allocation. Recruitment will be from governmental health centers and calling on social networks. Couples will be randomized to intervention which will receive Sexual and Marital Enrichment package and control group (routine care at health centers). Couples will be followed up for 4 months. Then primary outcomes (mean score of couples’ sexual information, motivation and behavior skills) and secondary outcome (mean score of couples’ sexual satisfaction) of study will be measured through the online questionnaire. Discussion This trial will be examined the impact of the sexual and marital skills training package tailored to the values and norms governing the sexual life of Iranian couples on their sexual satisfaction. If the trial is effective, its results will be presented to policy makers for implementation at national level. Trial registration (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) number): IRCT20181211041926N1. Date of registration: March 2, 2019.

A Preliminary Investigation of Empirically Based and Spiritually Based Marital Enrichment Programs

Similarities and differences of two empirically based marital enrichment programs, Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) and Couple Communication (CC), and two spiritually based marital enrichment programs, Couples’ Temperament Workshop and Heirs Together were examined. Using published literature and observation, foundations, goals, content, and outcomes were considered. Programs contained similar goals and content, with core curriculum surrounding communication skills and conflict management. Although outcome information is unavailable upon the spiritually based programs, it is possible that these programs may be as effective as empirically based programs validated through research considering the similarities in core curriculum; however, research is needed to determine the influence of context.

Marital Satisfaction and Relational Attachment in a Sample of Newly Married Couples

The purpose was to investigate possible correlates [perception of parental marital satisfaction (Relationship Assessment Scale), marital status of parents, participation in marital enrichment, current stress, and sex] of marital satisfaction (Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale) and relational attachment (Revised Adult Attachment Scale). 71 young couples ( M age = 25.3 yr., SD = 3.2) in their first ten years of marriage completed the measures. Backward regression analysis indicated that marital status of parents, participation in marital enrichment, current stress, and sex accounted for a significant portion of the variance for the Anxiety subscale of the Revised Adult Attachment Scale. None of the models significantly accounted for the variance on the measure of marital satisfaction.