1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The present laboratory study aimed to investigate empathic response and disclosure among women with vulvodynia and their spouses, in relation to their sexual satisfaction and sexual distress.» (p. 532)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
L’étude est basée sur la participation de 50 femmes atteintes de vulvodynie et de leur partenaire (49 couples hétérosexuels). En plus de répondre à plusieurs questionnaires, les couples ont été observés lors d’une discussion filmée d’une durée de 3 heures pendant laquelle le sujet de la vulvodynie était abordé.

Instruments :
- Questionnaires
- Grille d’observation

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

«Findings suggest that disclosure about the impact of vulvodynia and empathic response might contribute to increase sexual satisfaction and lessen sexual distress in both partners. The present study supports the significance of interpersonal factors emphasized in the new classification of sexual dysfunction in DSM-5 [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders] in which ''interpersonal factors'' must be explicitly taken into account when making a diagnosis.» (p. 536) Results show that «[w]omen’s and spouses’ higher observed and perceived empathic responses were associated with their own and their partner’s greater sexual satisfaction. […] Empathic response in couples might facilitate the expansion of couples’ sexual repertoire and the exploration of eroticism, despite the presence of pain, leading to greater sexual satisfaction for both members of the couple.» (p. 536) They also indicate that «[w]omen’s and spouses’ higher perceived disclosure were associated with their own and their partners’ greater sexual satisfaction.» (p. 538) Authors conclude that «[f]indings point toward the importance of understanding the interpersonal context of vulvodynia, beyond behavioral conceptualizations of the role of the spouse. Empathic response and disclosure may represent protective factors that buffer against the sexual dissatisfaction and the sexual distress experienced by couples struggling with vulvodynia.» (p. 538)