Marital and sexual functioning and dysfunctioning, depression and anxiety ¬リニ¬リニ¬リニ

This paper reviews empirical and theoretical publications from 1970 to 2009 on the relation between marital and sexual functioning, depression and anxiety. The link between sexual and marital functioning is well known. Marital functioning is a factor in relation with sexual dysfunctions such as hypoactive sexual desire. Sexual functioning is associated to marital satisfaction. The role of marital and sexual factors was also studied in relation with psychological distress. Satisfying marital functioning protects against the development of psychological distress but is also a factor related to depression and anxiety. The link between marital distress and depression is particularly strong. Empirical data indicate also that marital treatment may improve not only sexual and marital functioning but may also reduce symptoms of psychological distress. When depressive symptoms are associated to marital distress, research indicates that marital therapy may be considered as one of the first options of treatment to reduce both marital and psychological distress. Sex and marital therapists have to cope with difficult and complex clinical situations. Sexual difficulties are frequently associated with marital problems. On the other hand, marital difficulties are associated with symptoms of psychological distress, mainly depression and anxiety. The first programs to treat sexual dysfunctionsfarb MR. Fonctionnement et dysfonctionnement conjugal et sexuel, dépression et anxiété. ଝଝ The authors wish to thank Marie-Pascale Leblond for her helpful collaboration in the writing of this paper. do not take into account complex clinical situation where sexual, marital and psychological problems are co-morbid. More recently, research has show interaction between marital, sexual and psychological distress. The present paper is a review of literature on the relation between sexual, marital and psychological functioning including symptoms of psychological distress particularly anxious and depressive problems. Marriage is one of the most important and enduring of interpersonal relationships. It is well known that marriage protects against depression and anxiety. Research has 1158-1360/$ – see front matter