Examining the Role of Physiological Synchrony in Partnered Sexual Activity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Over the past thirty years, there has been a dramatic increase in research examining the interpersonal and relational predictors of sexual satisfaction, with findings illuminating the primacy of relationships for sexual well-being (for a review, see Freihart, Sears, & Meston, in press). Despite an increasingly dyadic research approach within the field, nothing is yet known about the role of interpersonal autonomic responding between partners during sexual activity. This gap is notable, as there is a robust body of research suggesting that physiological synchrony-or, dynamic, reciprocal exchanges across biological systems resulting in interpersonal psychophysiological covariation-is strongly implicated in relational satisfaction and distress (Helm et al., 2014; Palumbo et al., 2017; Timmons et al., 2015). Moreover, emerging research has extended these findings to sexual relationships, finding that sexual satisfaction moderates the magnitude of physiological synchrony observed between heterosexual partners in a non-sexual, laboratory-based context (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 the role of physiological synchrony in sexual satisfaction in a more ecologically valid context: at-home, during sexual activity. The primary aims of the current project include: (1) illuminating whether physiological synchrony manifests between partners during sexual activity, (2) examining whether the magnitude of the observed synchrony is stronger during sexual activity than during non-sexual interactions, and finally (3) interrogating the role of sexual satisfaction in the strength of physiological synchrony observed. Methods Heterosexual couples in monogamous, romantic relationships are recruited from local community. Participants’ autonomic physiological response are 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 during sexual activity using chest straps that include impedance cardiography technology. Levels of sexual satisfaction are measured via self-report measures that assess global sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a specific sexual encounter. Results Data collection is ongoing with an anticipated completion date of January 2022. 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