HOLD RCT Study

The HOLD Randomized Control Trial Study

We are seeking women and gender diverse individuals who experience low sexual desire/arousal and their partners to participate in a treatment research study.
 
The treatment is a cognitive-behavioural couple therapy for couples navigating distressing sexual desire and arousal difficulties. It involves 16 sessions over 18 weeks, delivered online by a trained and supervised psychologist.
 
Our aim is to test how effective this treatment is in improving symptoms of low desire/arousal and enhancing intimacy and satisfaction for the couple, compared to waiting for the symptoms to resolve on their own.
 
All eligible couples will receive the treatment free of charge through participating in the study (more details below).

What is involved? 

If you are interested and the study is a good fit for you and your partner (as determined by our eligibility screening process process), we will ask you and your partner to each complete an initial online survey.

Then you will be randomly assigned (like a coin flip) into one of two groups: Treatment (start receiving the HOLD therapy right away) or Waitlist (you will receive the HOLD therapy after the study period is over, in approximately 11 months).

Both groups will complete surveys on the same schedule whether they are in the treatment or waitlist group. These include 5 short online surveys during the treatment period, and two surveys similar to the first that are completed immediately after the treatment period and another one 6 months later. At the end of this ~11 month period, couples in  waitlist group will be offered the HOLD treatment. 

The HOLD treatment is free of charge, and you will be compensated for the surveys that you complete.

Who can participate?

The individual experiencing low sexual desire must identify as a woman (cis or trans) or as someone for whom being a woman (self-defined; biological, social, or psychological) is part of their identity, inclusive of gender diverse people. Individuals who are gender diverse (e.g., non-binary, agender) and female are also welcome, provided they are comfortable participating. If you are not sure whether you are eligible or would be comfortable participating, please feel free to discuss this with our team.

To be eligible, both partners must agree to participate and be:

    • 18 year of age or older
    • Fluent in English or French
    • In a committed and cohabiting romantic relationship for at least one year
    • One partner experiencing low desire for 6+ months
    • Living in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick (residents of Quebec or British Columbia can participate through our collaborators. Please contact us for details)

*other criteria apply

* If you have more than one romantic partner you may still be a good fit for the study provided that you are willing to participate with one partner who fits the above characteristics.

🌈Inclusivity matters: The HOLD study requires one member of the couple to meet the criteria for a woman or gender diverse person who experiences low sexual desire, defined above. Otherwise, HOLD is open to individuals of all genders, bodies, and sexual orientations.

If you are interested, or have any questions, please contact us at HOLDstudy@dal.ca
or fill out the form below!