What effects does couples therapy have on sexuality and sexual satisfaction?

Background: Most studies evaluating the efficacy of couples therapy mainly consider changes in global relationship satisfaction. However, this research does not tell us anything about the outcomes of couples therapy regarding sexuality. Objective: The present study investigates the effects of marital and couples counseling on sexuality and sexual satisfaction. Method: A prospective field study was conducted. 293 couples who contacted marital counseling agencies due to relationship problems completed the "Sexual Satisfaction" subscale of the German version of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI). Results: Marital and couples counseling is associated with a significant improvement of global sexual satisfaction, at least for those couples who initially reported severe sexual problems. Conclusion: Couples counseling may contribute to preventing the chronification of sexual problems.