COMPASSION-FOCUSED ACT IN THE TREATMENT OF FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS
A SCOPING REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35919/rbsh.v36.1294Keywords:
Acceptance, Psychological flexibility, Compassion, Sexual pain, Female sexual dysfunctionAbstract
Contextual psychotherapeutic interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy, are relevant in the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs). Compassion-focused ACT, which integrates these approaches, has been applied in various pathological contexts, but is little explored in FSDs. The aim of this scoping review was to map the applicability of compassion-focused ACT in FSDs, identifying overlapping processes between the approaches. Twelve publications were analyzed, divided into two sub-samples: six related to ACT and the rest to compassion-based interventions. The overlapping processes found were mindfulness, defusion and attention to the present moment. The feasibility of applying ACT focused on compassion is corroborated for genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (DGPP) and, particularly, localized and provoked vulvodynia. There is a lack of data on the other disorders. Future research needs to focus on diagnoses made by professionals and the underlying pathology of DGPP that is the specific target of the intervention. It is also suggested that comparative studies be carried out between ACT, CFT and ACT focused on compassion for patients with FSDs, supported by validated instruments for managing compassion and psychological flexibility in sexual contexts.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Bruna Gund, Ítor Finotelli Júnior, Camila Marina Nery Pellizzer, Jocelaine Martins da Silveira
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