Applying the Colaizzi Method to Identify Factors Interfering with Sexual Function among Couples Referring to Counseling Centers in Arak City: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Sexual function is a fundamental dimension of marital health and relationship quality, and its disruption may arise from interacting individual, interpersonal, cultural, and social factors that adversely affect intimacy and marital stability. This study aimed to identify and explain the factors interfering with sexual function among couples referring to counseling centers in Arak City.

Methodology: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach. The study population consisted of couples referring to counseling centers in Arak in 2024 who had been married for at least five years. Participants were selected through purposive sampling while ensuring diversity in age, educational level, and socioeconomic status, and recruitment continued until data saturation was achieved, resulting in 17 participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Interview transcripts were repeatedly reviewed, significant statements were identified, meanings were formulated, and related codes were organized into initial concepts, central themes, and an overarching selective theme. Member checking was used to enhance the credibility of the findings.

Findings: Data analysis yielded 17 initial concepts, three central themes, and one overarching theme entitled “factors interfering with couples’ sexual function.” The three central themes were contextual, individual, and couple-related factors. Contextual factors comprised employment status, economic status, type of marriage, age at marriage, and culture. Individual factors included sexual identity, occupational preoccupation, fatigue, poor boundaries, personality characteristics, unrealistic expectations, and conflicting beliefs. Couple-related factors consisted of lack of relational and sexual skills, lifestyle problems, incompatible roles, unmet needs, and difficulties in sexual intimacy. Collectively, the findings indicated that impaired sexual functioning emerged through the interaction of environmental pressures, individual attitudes and characteristics, and deficiencies within the marital relationship.

Conclusion: Couples’ sexual dysfunction is a multidimensional phenomenon resulting from the interaction of contextual, individual, and couple-related determinants rather than exclusively physiological causes. Accordingly, counseling and educational interventions designed to improve sexual function should simultaneously address socioeconomic pressures, individual beliefs and expectations, communication and relational skills, marital boundaries and roles, mutual needs, and sexual intimacy.