A review of the existing literature reveals limited understanding of and guidance for the treatment of decreased sexual intimacy among new mothers. The authors apply key concepts from existentialism as a theoretical framework to address these limitations. From this perspective, variables affecting sexual intimacy among new mothers are identified and discussed in the context of the natural, personal, social, and spiritual dimensions of being. Corresponding suggestions for treatment are provided.
Ahlborg, T., Dahlof, L., & Hallberg, L. (2005). Quality of the intimate and sexual relationship in the first-time parents six months after deliver. Journal of Sex Research, 42, 167-174.
2.
Alexander, B. (1993). Disorders of sexual desire: diagnosis and treatment of decreased libido. American Family Physician, 47, 832-839.
3.
Anllo, L. M. (2000). Sexual life after breast cancer. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 26, 241-248.
4.
Bakewell, R. T., & Volker, D. L. (2005). Sexual dysfunction related to the treatment of young women with breast cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 9, 697-702.
5.
Bredin, M. (1999). Mastectomy, body image and therapeutic massage: A qualitative study of women's experience. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 29, 1113-1120.
6.
Cooper, M. (2003). Existential therapies. London: Sage.
7.
Dangal, G. (2006). An update on teen pregnancy. Internet Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 5, 3-3.
8.
De Judicibus, M., & McCabe, M. (2002). Psychological factors and the sexuality of pregnant and postpartum women. Journal of Sex Research, 39, 94-103.
9.
Delucia-Waack, J. L. (1999). Supervision for counselors working with eating disorders groups: Countertransference issues related to body image, food, and weight. Journal of Counseling & Development, 77, 379-388.
10.
Finfgeld, D. (2001). Emergent drug abuse resolution models and their implications for childbearing and childrearing women. Health Care for Women International, 22, 723-733.
11.
Gehring, D. (2003). Couple therapy for low sexual desire: A systemic approach. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 29, 25-38.
12.
Henrion, R., & Crumbaugh, J. C. (1992). Logotherapy: New help for problem drinkers. Chicago: Nelson-Hall.
13.
Letunovsky, V. (2004). Existential therapy in working with the body. Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis, 15, 307-332.
14.
Levitt, D. H. (2004). Drive for thinness and fear of fat among college women: Implications for practice and assessment. Journal of College Counseling, 7, 109-117.
15.
Lloyd, C., & Rosman, E. (2005). Exploring mental health outcomes for low-income mothers of children with special needs. Infants & Young Children: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Special Care Practices, 18, 186-199.
16.
Mowbray, C., Bybee, D., Hollingsworth, L., Goodkind, S., & Oyserman, D. (2005). Living arrangements and social support: Effects on the well-being of mothers with mental illness. Social Work Research, 29, 41-55.
17.
Mowbray, C., Bybee, D., Oyserman, D., Allen-Meares, P., MacFarlane, P., & Hart-Johnson, T. (2004). Diversity of outcomes among adolescent children of mothers with mental illness. Journal of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders, 12, 206-221.
18.
Myors, K., Johnson, M., & Langdon, R. (2001). Coping styles of pregnant adolescents. Public Health Nursing, 18, 24-32.
19.
Neufeldt, V. (Ed.). (1990). Webster's new world dictionary (3rd ed.) New York: Warner Books.
20.
Nobre, P. J., & Pinto-Gouveia, J. (2003). Sexual modes questionnaire: Measure to assess the interaction among cognitions, emotions, and sexual response. The Journal of Sex Research, 40, 368-382.
21.
O'Brien, M., & Peyton, V. (2002). Parenting attitudes and marital intimacy: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Family Psychology, 16, 118-127.
22.
O'Dea, J. A. (2004). Evidence for a self-esteem approach in the prevention of body image and eating problems among children and adolescents. Eating Disorders, 12, 225-239.
23.
Ogden, G. (2003). Spiritual dimensions of sex therapy: An integrative approach for women. Contemporary Sexuality, 37, 13-20.
24.
Pacey, S. (2004). Couples and the first baby: Responding to new parents' sexual and relationship problems. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 19, 223-246.
25.
Porter, L., & Porter, B. (2004). A blended infant massage-parenting enrichment program for recovering substance-abusing mothers. Pediatric Nursing, 30, 363-401.
26.
Slater, L., Daniel, J., & Banks, A. (Eds.). (2003). The complete guide to mental health for women. Boston: Beacon.
27.
Stern, A. (1953). Sartre his philosophy and psychoanalysis. New York: Liberal Arts Press.
28.
van Deurzen, E. (1998). Paradox and passion in psychotherapy: An existential approach to therapy and counseling. Chichester, UK: Wiley.
29.
van Deurzen, E. (2002). Existential counseling & psychotherapy in practice. London: Sage.
30.
Weems, C. F., Costa, N. M., Dehon, C., & Berman, S. L. (2004). Paul Tillich's theory of existential anxiety: A preliminary conceptual and empirical examination. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 17, 383-399.
31.
Yalom, I. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.
32.
Yalom, I. (2002). The gift of therapy. New York: HarperCollins.