1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The present [...] study examined how changes in pain-related cognitions and emotions predicted changes in pain and sexual outcomes in women with PVD [provoked vestibulodynia], and whether these changes were mediated through behavioral avoidance.» (p. 333) «The goals of the present 2-year prospective study were 3-fold. First, we aimed to examine whether initial levels of the independent FAM [fear avoidance model] variables and pain SE [self-efficacy] predicted changes in pain and sexuality outcomes. Second, using change scores over 2 years, we aimed to examine whether changes in cognitive-affective variables would predict changes in pain and sexual outcomes over the same 2-year period. Third, we aimed to examine whether the relationship between changes in cognitive-affective variables and changes in pain and sexuality outcomes was mediated by changes in behavioral avoidance as proposed by the FAM.» (p. 334)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«It was hypothesized that higher initial levels of catastrophizing, fear, and anxiety would be associated with less changes in pain, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction, whereas higher initial levels of SE would be associated with more changes. It was further hypothesized that decreases in catastrophizing, fear, and anxiety, as well as increases in SE, would be associated with increases in sexual satisfaction, and decreases in pain and sexual dysfunction over the 2-year period, and that these changes would be accounted for by increases in number of attempts at sexual intercourse (ie, decreases in behavioral avoidance).» (p. 334-335)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
L’étude est basée sur la participation de 22 femmes en couple et atteintes de vestibulodynie. «Because this was part of a larger study on couples, women were required to be in a relationship.» (p. 335)

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

«Findings from the […] study show that only higher initial levels of SE were significantly associated with improved outcomes for pain and sexual satisfaction, and contrary to our hypothesis, of a worse outcome for sexual function. In addition, contrary to our hypothesis, changes in the FAM cognitive-affective variables were generally not associated with outcomes, whereas increases in pain SE were significantly associated with both decreases in pain and increases in sexual satisfaction. These findings are partially consistent with current cognitive-behavioral theories of chronic pain, as well as with results from studies examining the influence of cognitive-behavioral variables on pain and sexuality endpoints in women with PVD whereby only some of the expected predictors were significant. The mediation hypothesis that cognitive-affective variables and SE were associated with pain and sexual outcomes through changes in behavioral avoidance was only supported for SE.» (p. 337)