Online Sex Education Based on the Good Enough Sex Model on Newlywed Couples: A Protocol for Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Male Partner Involvement Publisher



Zarei R¹ ; Khayer E¹ ; Vaillancourtmorel MP² ; Hashemzadeh M¹ ; Farnam F¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Sexuality Research and Social Policy Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the importance of male involvement in sex education sessions, mens' participation is often limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the spouse’s presence in online group sex education based on the Good Enough Sex model. Methods: This study randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted in 2024 on 104 couples who have been married between 1 and 5 years. The participants are randomized to one of two intervention groups. In Group A, women attend all four sessions individually, while in Group B, women participate in two sessions alone and two sessions with their husbands. Both groups receive online group sex education based on the GES model in 4 weekly 90-min sessions. Results: Primary outcomes include sexual satisfaction, function, sexual communication, distress, and frequency of sexual intercourse. Secondary outcomes include pornography use, problematic pornography use, extramarital affairs, and frequency of masturbation. Three months after the intervention, men and women of both groups will complete the questionnaires. Conclusion: Does the presence of men in sex education classes have an effective impact on couples’ sexual health. Policy Implications: Suppose the results show that mens' presence in counseling sessions effectively improves couples’ sex lives. In that case, strategies should address barriers preventing men from attending counseling and sex education. If the difference between the two groups is not significant, it indicates the impact of womens' participation in sex counseling sessions alone, and appropriate policies should increase women’s access to comprehensive sexual health education even in the absence of men. Trial Registration: IRCT20120609009975N11, registered at 2023–12-26. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.