Psychological interventions in health and diseases
Arash Nejatian; Mahnaz Aliakbari Dehkordi; Amin Rafiepour; Ziba Barghi Irani
Abstract
AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a cognitive-behavioral-emotional and social intervention tailored for hypertensive cardiovascular patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The intervention focused on improving erectile function, sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, ...
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AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a cognitive-behavioral-emotional and social intervention tailored for hypertensive cardiovascular patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The intervention focused on improving erectile function, sexual satisfaction, interpersonal communication, and psychological well-being through integrated psychological support, social connection strategies, lifestyle modifications, and sexual education.Methods: Thirty male patients aged 45 to 60, diagnosed with hypertension and ED, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving the intervention or a control group receiving routine care. The 12-session intervention included relaxation techniques, motivational interviewing, cognitive restructuring (based on the Metz et al. model), psychosexual education, and communication and intimacy training. Lifestyle changes emphasized weight reduction and heart-healthy behaviors to reduce body mass index (BMI). Outcomes were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Sexual Communication Scale (SCS).Results: The experimental group showed significant, sustained improvements. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a strong time × group effect for erectile function and sexual communication anxiety (p < 0.001). BMI dropped significantly (χ² = 22.842, p = 0.000), with a notable between-group difference at follow-up (U = 52.000, p = 0.012). At follow-up, the experimental group reported higher erectile (24.8 vs. 17.2), orgasmic (8.9 vs. 6.7), sexual desire (9.4 vs. 6.8), and intercourse satisfaction (11.7 vs. 7.9); greater relationship satisfaction (21.3 vs. 16.4); and lower sexual communication anxiety (12.6 vs. 21.9).Conclusions: A cognitive-behavioral-emotional-social intervention combined with lifestyle changes improved sexual function and relationship quality in hypertensive patients with ED.
