The impact of parental bonding on sexual distress in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Psychosomatic and social issues have been found to be determinants of sexual distress in diabetic and non-diabetic populations. However, the role of parental bonding as a determinant for sexual distress has not been studied in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1).

Aim: To study the role of parental care and overprotection, in the pathogenesis of sexual distress in women with DM-1.

Methods: Seventy-seven women with uncomplicated DM-1 and 77 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the General Health Questionnaire-28, and the Parental Bonding Instrument were used to evaluate sexual distress, general health and bonding with parents, respectively.

Main outcome measures: To assess the role of parental bonding as risk factor for sexual distress, in women with DM-1.

Results: Women with DM-1 had significantly higher FSDS scores compared with controls. Furthermore, women with DM-1 had significantly higher maternal and paternal care, and lower maternal overprotection in comparison with the healthy ones. Paternal overprotection and general health were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Sexual distress was more frequent in women with DM-1 (31.43% vs. 8.57% of controls, P < 0.05). Diabetic women with sexual distress had lower maternal care, higher maternal overprotection and lower paternal overprotection compared to diabetics without sexual distress (P < 0.05). No difference was found in the paternal care between the two groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, sexually distressed DM-1 women had worse general health parameters in comparison with the non-sexually distressed diabetics (P < 0.05). In the DM-1 group, low maternal care and low paternal overprotection were significant risk factors for sexual distress (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Parental care and overprotection can lead to sexual distress and, therefore, to Female Sexual Dysfunction in DM-1 women. Evaluation of parental bonding is necessary in DM-1 women with distressing sexual problems.