(057) INCREASING INTIMATE INTERACTIONS AS AN INTERVENTION FOR IMPROVING SEXUAL AND RELATIONAL SATISFACTION IN COUPLES
Authors: Sears-Greer M , Jakimier K , Parthasarathy S , Robinson G J , Fan J , Meston C 
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Intimacy is a critical component of satisfying romantic relationships; it is consistently, positively associated with sexual and relational satisfaction. While the cognitive perception of intimacy and related feelings of love, affection, and closeness are important, there is ample theory suggesting intimacy is more than a feeling. The central components of intimacy are love, affection, self-disclosure, and mutual validation, all of which include both behavioral and cognitive aspects of connection. The widely-accepted Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy suggests that the exchange of intimate behaviors and experiences over time create subjective feelings of intimacy. As such, intimacy is most accurately understood as a critical agent in both the creation and maintenance of satisfying romantic relationships, not simply a byproduct of them. While intimacy is heavily researched in evaluations of satisfying relationships, it is almost exclusively assessed using an individual’s subjective feelings of intimacy. To date, little research has evaluated intimacy as a behavioral exchange between partners. Furthermore, extant research on treatments for relational and sexual dissatisfaction to date almost exclusively consider subjective feelings of intimacy as an outcome associated with increased satisfaction. Clinical research has yet to utilize intimacy as an active agent in the development and maintenance of satisfying relationships. Conducting research and creating interventions using the Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy may allow for development of better couples’ interventions.

Objective

The current study aimed to evaluate whether intimacy, when conceptualized as a result of repeated, reciprocal interactions between partners, could be an active facilitator of satisfaction in relationships. By manipulating intimate interactions (e.g., kissing, sharing secrets, massages) between partners over time, the current study tested a potential self-directed, personalized, and affordable intervention for improving sexual and relational satisfaction in couples.

Methods

Couples were randomized to a treatment or assessment-only control group. In the treatment group, each individual within a couple rated intimate interactions that make them feel intimate with their partner from a previously compiled list of intimate interactions. Each individual was given a list of their partner’s highest rated intimate interactions and instructed to initiate one from the list each day for one month. Partners’ sexual and relational satisfaction were assessed over time.

Results

Data collection is ongoing; completion is anticipated by the end of January, 2024. Participants’ sexual and relational satisfaction will be assessed within each couple over time and between the treatment and control group overall.

Conclusions

The current study evaluates a potential intervention for improving relational and sexual satisfaction in couples. If effective, this treatment could be an accessible, affordable, and personalized treatment for couples.

Disclosure

No.