Psychosocial and sexual well-being in a sample of Italian women with self-reported genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder

Background: Genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD) affects multiple aspects of a woman's life, yet its biopsychosocial impact in the Italian context remains underexplored. Aim: This study aimed to investigate differences in psychosocial and sexual well-being between women with and without self-reported GPPPD. Methods: A sample of 310 women (M age = 29.08 ± 7.93, range = 18-57) was recruited and divided into two groups: 141 women who self-reported suffering from GPPPD and 169 women who reported not suffering from it. Data were collected through online platforms and the Italian versions of the Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Romance Qualities Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were administered. Since there is no Italian version of the Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire, its psychometric properties were preliminarily evaluated in an independent and convenience sample of 170 women (M age = 28.28 ± 7.64, Range = 18-49). To explore whether the two groups differed on the study variables, a series of multivariate analyses of variance were carried out. Outcomes: The outcomes of the study were the levels of the vaginal penetration-related cognitions, alexithymia, relationships with mother and partner, and life and sexual satisfaction. Results: Women with GPPPD reported higher negative cognitions related to penetration, higher levels of alexithymia, a lower quality of the relationship with both the partner and the mother, as well as lower life and sexual satisfaction than the control group. Clinical translation: These findings emphasize the need for multidisciplinary approaches addressing cognitive, emotional, and relational factors to improve the well-being of women with GPPPD. Strengths and limitations: Strengths include the comprehensive assessment of biopsychosocial factors. Limitations involve reliance on self-reported diagnosis, potential recruitment bias, and the cross-sectional nature of the study. Conclusion: The study highlights the extensive impact of GPPPD on women's well-being, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions targeting the disorder's psychological and relational dimensions.