Does Self-compassion Benefit Couples Coping With Vulvodynia? Associations With Psychological, Sexual, and Relationship Adjustment

Clin J Pain. 2018 Jul;34(7):629-637. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000579.

Abstract

Objectives: Vulvodynia, a chronic vulvovaginal pain condition, has deleterious consequences for the psychological, relational, and sexual well-being of affected women and their partners. Protective factors, which can reduce these negative effects, are increasingly studied in the field of chronic pain. One of these, self-compassion, entails qualities such as kindness toward oneself, and has been associated with better adjustment in individuals with chronic pain. Because many women with vulvodynia have a negative image of themselves in the context of sexuality, self-compassion may be especially relevant for this population. This study aimed to investigate self-compassion among couples coping with vulvodynia and its associations with psychological, sexual, and relationship adjustment, as well as pain during sexual intercourse.

Materials and methods: Data were gathered from 48 women diagnosed with provoked vestibulodynia-a subtype of vulvodynia-and their partners, using self-report questionnaires pertaining to anxiety, depression, sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, and pain intensity during sexual intercourse.

Results: For both women and their partners, higher levels of self-compassion were associated with their own lower anxiety and depression. When partners reported higher levels of self-compassion, they were more satisfied with their relationship, and both partners and women reported lower sexual distress. No significant association was found for pain during intercourse.

Discussion: Findings suggest that self-compassion is a promising protective factor in the experience of vulvodynia and associated distress. Interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion could enhance the efficacy of psychological treatments for these women and their partners. Further studies are needed to better understand the correlates of self-compassion among this population.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression
  • Empathy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pain Measurement
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Protective Factors
  • Self Concept
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Vulvodynia / psychology*

Grants and funding