Sexual Dysfunction and Sexual Problems in the Postpartum Period: A Bibliometric Analysis of Counseling Using the EX-PLISSIT Model
Authors: Sema Ustgorul 
Published: August 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze recent research trends and findings related to postpartum sexual dysfunctions, with a particular focus on the application and impact of the EX-PLISSIT model. The analysis encompasses an examination of publication patterns, field-specific contributions, indexing, geographical distribution, author networks, and keyword trends Methods: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted utilizing data from the Web of Science database, encompassing 19,206 publications. The analysis encompassed a review of publication volumes by year, field-specific research focus, indexing types, countries, author collaborations, and keyword frequencies, with particular attention to studies utilizing the EX-PLISSIT model in counseling. Results: The findings indicate a notable surge in research activity concerning postpartum sexual dysfunction, with a peak in publication activity observed in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The majority of research in this field is concentrated in the areas of public environmental occupational health, general internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology. The indexing data indicate that the majority of publications are included in the SCI-EXPANDED category (11,646), followed by SSCI (6,557) and ESCI (5,076). The United States, England, and Australia are the countries that have made the greatest contribution. A co-authorship analysis identified 6,756 authors with multiple publications and citations, revealing notable collaboration networks. The citation analysis identified several key authors, including Anne S. Bassett and Elham Atalla. A keyword analysis revealed that terms such as “counseling,” “pregnancy,” “sexual dysfunction,” and “sexual satisfaction” are central to the research, forming 61 clusters with significant link strength. The application of the EX-PLISSIT model has been notably documented in counseling studies, demonstrating its efficacy in addressing postpartum sexual dysfunctions by providing structured support through education, permission, limited information, and specific suggestions. Conclusion: Postpartum sexual dysfunctions are extensive and interdisciplinary, with a notable increase in recent publications and contributions from a range of global researchers. The EX-PLISSIT model is a prominent feature of counseling research, demonstrating its value in addressing sexual health issues during the postpartum period. The present paper demonstrates that recent research underscores the necessity for the implementation of personalized and culturally adapted interventions to address postpartum sexual dysfunctions. The EX-PLISSIT model has been demonstrated to be an effective framework for the structuring of care. It is recommended that future studies focus on long-term outcomes, the involvement of partners, and the potential for policy changes to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of postpartum sexual health support. It is recommended that future studies continue to explore cultural variations, the effectiveness of therapeutic models like EX-PLISSIT, and existing gaps in the current research to enhance postpartum sexual health outcomes.