An initial proof of concept: A replicated single-case study of a CBT group treatment with partner involvement for vulvodynia. Issue 6 (2nd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Engman, Linnéa; Ter Kuile, Moniek M.; Linton, Steven J.; Ekholm, Elin; Tuijnman-Raasveld, Charlotte C.; Flink, Ida K.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive behaviour therapy. Volume 51:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 503
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02
• Subjects: Vulvodynia -- provoked vestibulodynia -- cognitive behavioral therapy -- group treatment -- couple treatment -- single-case experimental design; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2022.2086907
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1650-6073

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Vulvodynia is common and has an immense impact on affected women and their partners. Psychological factors have been found to contribute to pain maintenance and exacerbation, and treatments addressing psychological factors have yielded positive results. This study employed a replicated single-case experimental design to examine a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group treatment with partner involvement in vulvodynia. Repeated measures of pain intensity related to pain-inflicting behaviors were collected weekly throughout baseline and treatment phases. Associated outcomes were measured pre-, post- and at two follow-up assessments. Participants were 18–45-year-old women, in a stable sexual relationship with a man, experiencing vulvodynia. Five women completed the treatment consisting of 10 group sessions and 3 couple sessions. Data were analyzed through visual inspection and supplementary nonparametric calculations. The study showed promising results of the CBT treatment in alleviating pain intensity in connection to specific pain-inflicting behavior since three out of five participants showed improvements. For the participants who improved, sexual function, pain catastrophizing, avoidance, and endurance behavior changed during treatment and were maintained at follow-ups. These results warrant further study of the CBT treatment, in larger, and controlled formats.