(077) Physiological Synchrony and Sexual Satisfaction: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Freihart B , Browman K , Meston C 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Physiological synchrony (PS) refers to a pattern of psychophysiological covariation in the context of close relationships that is thought to develop as a function of dynamic, reciprocal exchanges across biological systems over time (for a review, see Palumbo et al., 2017). There is strong evidence to suggest that PS is a marker of well-being in romantic relationships, with research illuminating close associations between PS and domains of relational functioning including overall relationship satisfaction and feelings of closeness, connection, and empathy for one’s romantic partner (e.g., Helm et al., 2014; Palumbo et al., 2017; Timmons et al., 2015; Countinho, 2019). More recent research has extended these findings to sexual relationships, finding that PS predicts attraction to a potential sexual partner (Prozachkova et al., 2022) and, in a laboratory setting, global evaluations of sexual satisfaction (Freihart & Meston, 2019).

Objective

Taken together, there is theoretical and empirical evidence to suggest that psychophysiological attunement between partners may be relevant for their sexual relationship. Building upon these data, the current project seeks to examine PS in a more ecologically valid context: at-home, during sexual activity. The primary aims of the current project include: (1) replicating previous research suggesting that PS observed during non-sexual interactions predicts sexual satisfaction, (2) illuminating whether physiological synchrony manifests between partners during sexual activity, and finally, (3) examining whether the magnitude of the observed synchrony is stronger during sexual activity than during non-sexual interactions.

Methods

Heterosexual couples in monogamous, romantic relationships were recruited from the community surrounding (University name redacted for review). Participants’ autonomic physiological response were measured in an ambulatory fashion across a baseline task, three non-sexual interpersonal tasks (i.e. looking into each other’s eyes, actively attempting to mirror one another, and holding hands), and sexual activity as measured in three phases (i.e., foreplay, penetrative sex in a prescribed position, and penetrative sex in any position selected by the couple) using chest straps with impedance cardiography technology. Levels of sexual satisfaction were measured via self-report measures that assessed global sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a specific sexual encounter.

Results

Data analyses are ongoing with an anticipated completion date of January 2023. Results will be updated with an addendum upon data analysis.

Conclusions

This is the first dyadic psychophysiological study to examine autonomic linkages between partners during sex. Results may illuminate a candidate mechanism for variation in couple-level sexual satisfaction and, to that end, may provide rationale for future treatment development research utilizing psychophysiological attunement to optimize dyadic sexual outcomes.

Disclosure

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: SST