The Impact of Couple Therapy Based on Relationship Enrichment Approach on Couples’ Intimacy and Sexual Function

Background: Intimacy is one of the basic and psychological needs of couples and is a motivating factor in their sexual participation. Objectives: To determine the impact of couple therapy based on the relationship enrichment approach on the intimacy and sexual function of the couples consulting healthcare centers. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study and was performed on 60 couples referring to Comprehensive Health Centers in the southeast of Iran in 2020. The research instruments included a demographic information questionnaire, three standard questionnaires of intimacy and sexual function of men and women. The educational content was implemented only for the intervention group. Data were collected at baseline, 8th week, and 12th week after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-factor repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS (ver. 21) software. Results: The results showed that the intervention had a significant effect on sexual function and intimacy in the intervention group in three time periods (P < 0.001), whereas in the control group, no significant difference was observed in the three time periods (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that relationship enrichment counseling can increase intimacy and sexual function of couples.