Couples who participated in a sex therapy program that included viewing sexually explicit audiovisual slides and movies, demonstrated changes in sexual behavior, sexual desires, sexual communication and marital communication according to a recent study. The research studied the impact of sexual therapy on sexual behaviors and marital communication, and was conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Treatment Program

A total of 224 people, ranging in age from 25 to 34, participated in a sex therapy treatment program designed to change sexual behaviors. The treatment program, patterned after the Masters and Johnson approach, included a 2 day workshop format with individual as well as group sessions that included an initial intake interview, a self-administered sexual history questionnaire, a medical examination, and group instructional sessions led by a sex therapist. During the seminar, couples were given explicit information and audiovisual slides and movies during group instructional sessions. Couples were then asked to adjourn to their rooms for a private practice session. The study confirmed a number of findings relating to the impact of sex therapy on sexual behaviors and marital communication.

Sexual Behavior

After attending the treatment sessions, some couples experienced:

	a narrowing of the gap between actual and desired sexual behaviors
	an increased acceptance of a wider range of sexual activities
	effective treatment in several areas of sexual dysfunction including premature ejaculation, impotence, ejaculatory incompetence, dyspareunia and sexual aversion
	a noticeable increase in sexual activity in all areas of sexual behavior
	an increase in non-demanding activities such as viewing and being viewed nude, massaging and caressing

Communication

Couples noted the following changes after attending the workshops:

	a significant increase in reported communication before, during and after sexual activity
	an increased focus on one's own ability to communicate with a partner and not focusing on a partner's ability to communicate
	significant increase in marital communication

This study appeared in the Spring 1981 edition of the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, Vol. 7, No. 1.