Clinical Research Directory

Anthesis: A Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-Based Approach to Sexual Distress: Testing a Pilot Online Intervention

This pilot study, named Anthesis, evaluates the preliminary efficacy of an online pilot study for sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF) in adults. Anthesis is theoretically anchored on a transdiagnostic CBT-based approach to SDRSF. The experience of sexual distress, especially sexual distress related to sexual function (SDRSF), is associated with poorer physical health, poorer mental health, and relational conflicts, which makes the development of theoretically and empirically sustained clinical interventions to eliminate or minimize it fundamental. In this project, the authors will attempt to answer the overall research question: "Does an online intervention aimed at transdiagnostic factors prove to have preliminary efficacy in reducing SDRSF?" Driven by both theory and empirical evidence on the comorbidity between emotional disorders and sexual dysfunctions, this project will focus on SDRSF (as a primary outcome variable). It will be considered a secondary outcome of sexual function and sexual pleasure. Anthesis consists of eight modules (one module per week) delivered online. Participants will be divided into two conditions: an experimental condition that will start the intervention after the screening and a waiting list control condition (WLC) that will only begin its intervention after participants in the experimental condition have completed it.