The effect of emotional regulation difficulties on sexual and psychological distress using repetitive negative thinking as a mediator

Background: Sexual distress, a determinant factor in diagnosing sexual dysfunction, plays a significant role in individuals' sexual well-being, yet it has been overlooked in research. Aim: This exploratory study adopted a transdiagnostic approach to sexual distress and sought to examine the association between emotional regulation difficulties and sexual and psychological distress, with repetitive negative thinking as a potential mediator. Methods: We used a quantitative cross-sectional design with a sample of 509 partnered individuals. Outcomes: The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Results: Correlational analysis revealed significant associations among emotional regulation difficulties, repetitive negative thinking, psychological distress, and sexual distress. Furthermore, a mediation model demonstrated that repetitive negative thinking significantly mediated emotion dysregulation and psychological and sexual distress. Clinical Implications: These findings underscore the importance of considering emotion regulation difficulties and repetitive negative thinking as a maladaptive coping strategy when evaluating sexual distress and suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting such difficulties and thoughts may yield beneficial outcomes. Strengths and Limitations: These findings reinforce the importance of considering the role of emotional regulation difficulties and, consequently, repetitive negative thinking as a dysfunctional coping strategy, when studying and intervening in sexual distress. Future research with clinical samples should be developed to establish better the significance of considering these two dimensions in assessment and therapeutic intervention. Conclusion: Future research should corroborate and expand upon these findings to advance our understanding of sexual distress and optimize interventions in this domain.