Actively Recruiting
Evaluating Sexual Psychoeducation in Couples With Sexual Desire Discrepancy
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-01-05
216
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
104 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Sexual desire discrepancy (SDD) occurs when partners have different levels of sexual desire and are distressed by it. It is one of the most common reasons couples seek help, but no proven dyadic treatment currently exists. This study will test STEP, an online program designed to support couples with SDD. The investigators will compare two formats of STEP: one with therapist support and one self-guided, against a waitlist control group. The investigators will also assess how satisfied couples are and how they engage with the two online formats. This study will generate new data on how effective STEP is with and without guidance, and inform treatment guidelines.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Evaluating Sexual Psychoeducation in Couples With Sexual Desire Discrepancy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be a couple
- Be in a romantic relationship for at least one year
- Be 19 years of age or older
- Experience perceived and/or actual sexual desire discrepancy with personal and/or relational distress reported by at least one partner
- Be fluent in English
- Be willing to participate in 8 weekly online treatment sessions
- For couples in long-distance relationships, be able to meet the partner in person and via video call to complete the couple's homework
- Be willing to abstain from starting any new treatment for sexual desire discrepancy for the duration of the study
- Be willing to voluntarily complete questionnaires administered before, during, and after the treatment
- Have access to an electronic device capable of running the Zoom platform (if randomized to therapist-guided treatment)
- Have a stable internet connection
You will not qualify if you...
- If the sexual desire discrepancy is due to at least one partner identifying as asexual
- Presence of untreated psychiatric conditions at the time of recruitment that would interfere with participating in the treatment and homework
- Receiving dyadic psychosexual treatment for sexual desire discrepancy elsewhere during the study period
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
UBC Sexual Health Lab, Vancouver Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5M 1M9
Actively Recruiting
2
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 1M9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Roberta Galizia
CONTACT
K
Kelsey Lynch
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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