MFT-7113 V2: Advanced Qualitative Design and Analysis Instructions This week, you will submit the full dissertation proposal with all changes needed based on feedback received. Additionally, you will...

Running Head: DISSERTATION PROPOSAL                        1
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL                                15
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL
A STUDY ON SEXUAL COUNSELING PROGRAMS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY
Table of Contents
1. Introduction    3
2. Problem Statement    4
3. Purpose Statement    5
4. Research Questions    5
5. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework    6
5.1 Beck’s Cognitive Theory    6
5.2 Psychological Standpoint    7
5.3 Sex Education    8
6. Research Method and Designing    9
6.1 Primary Research:    9
6.2 Secondary Research:    10
6.3 Mixed Methodology:    10
Research Instruments    10
Sampling    11
Ethical Considerations    11
7. Nature of the Study    11
7.1 Qualitative Research:    11
7.2 Quantitative Research:    11
7.3 Mixed Methodology:    12
8. Significance of the Study    12
9. Conclusion    13
10. References    14
1. Introduction
Sex is always a subject of controversy in the society. Due to this, men and women hesitate to go out and ask the concerned person or therapist about their sexual health and related problems. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem in men and women. It prevents them from enjoying their sexual life thus becoming an increased concern of troubles in their married life (Alirezaei, Ozgoli & Majd, 2018).
There are numbers of reasons such as stress, anxiety, diabetes, psychological problems, drug addiction, use of alcohol, cardiac and other severe medical conditions are responsible for it. According to epidemiologic data it is evident that sexual dysfunction is a scant for both men and women.
A survey conducted by National Health and Social Life Survey showed that in adults risk and negative outcomes of sexual dysfunction are highest. It was also found that this risk is more consistent in women as compared to men but reaching to conclusion based on single study is not an apt approach.
In the US, some 43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction (Fuchs et al., 2019). Many experts and specialized doctors are conducting research in this field and latest studies are reflecting the amount of sexual activity, sexual relationships and the ability to deal with sexual dysfunction in their partners.
These studies also explore the age group in which these problems are more prevalent such as middle aged and elderly people. Apart from this are the countries, which are developed at industrial level such as America, Europe and other nations holding equivalent status. This has given a new dimension towards measuring the effectiveness of programs designed specifically for the purpose (McCool-Myers, Theurich, Zuelke, Knuettel & Apfelbacher, 2018).
Demographic characteristics also act as obstacles in reaching population with effective measures thus educational programs and counselling is limited to urban couples only. Sexual dysfunction harms a person’s self-esteem to the core and makes him incapable of dealing with the problem. Educational programs, which are conducted at individual and group level helps to create awareness about it and lists the symptoms thorough, which it can identified.
It also helps couples to be caring towards each other and deal with it with patience and support. As per Ahmad, Rostami, Dalvand, Rahmani and Ghanei Gheshlagh (2021), the main aim of programs is to improve the various perceptions, which the couple holds towards each other and their belief system about sexual dysfunction is even responsible for not seeking help or attending the counselling session. It helps them to seek medical advice and improve their life.
The absence of affordable medical care, accessibility issues and embarrassment while discussing sexual problems, are the main reasons, which are reported in various reports submitted by hospitals. Apart from this, people are not ready to come forward and raise their voice against such problems, which has confined them to stress and anxiety.
It is becoming a leading cause of divorces, infidelity and violence in the marital relationships. With the help of proposed research, the varied dimensions will be studied and their impact on married life will be listed. This will help to reach the conclusion with evident support.
2. Problem Statement
Sexual dysfunction and the perception towards it is the main reason for its existence. The fear of sufferings and humility confines the person into his/her problem and restricts the access to seek medical help. In addition, there is question on the positive impact of sex educational programs and their authenticity. Therefore, it is required to research about the programs, the content and the mode of delivery in order to analyze how to measure their efficacy.
The definition of sexual satisfaction is different for men and women. The way they deal with sexual dysfunction differs too. Above all their individual personality, their nature, their physique and their health conditions also holds great importance in understanding the impact of it on their marital life.
As sex is related to psychological and intimate relationship between couples, the existence of sexual problems affects all aspects. This impacts the communication between couples, create trust issues, increase hostility, disparate levels of sexual desire. The addiction of the couples and their resultant consequences are responsible for sexual dysfunction and the ways, in which they are creating problems in married life such as anger, resentment and unrealistic expectation regarding sex.
They are ignoring knowledge and becoming insensitive towards their partner. While researching it is also questionable how therapists manage such aspects of a relation during treatment without taking any sides of their clients. The techniques and the models which are used and become the part of their practice comes under radar and needs to be studied as a part of testing theories and hypothesis which are created.
3. Purpose Statement    
The purpose of the research is to validate the efficacy of educational programs, which deals with sexual dysfunction.
4. Research Questions
Sex education is necessary as today not only adults but also adolescents are also exposed to many things in the era of digitalization. They are gaining maturity at a very tender age. Sex education helps in making couples aware about various considerations they can accommodate in their lives and be sensitive towards their partner in a marriage.
Various problems, which are normally ignored in a marital relationship due to unawareness such as sexual dysfunction, will be brought to limelight and through educational programs, its symptoms and the ways to handle it can be discussed in detail.
Q1. How sexual dysfunction is related to marital satisfaction?
Q2. Is there any gender-based trend observed in sexual dysfunction while researching it?
Q3. Are educational programs and counselling sessions useful for the couples suffering from sexual dysfunction?
Q4. Are anxiety and depression responsible for sexual dysfunction?
5. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
5.1 Beck’s Cognitive Theory
This model helped researchers to understand the...