Exchange Model Of Sexual Satisfaction Research Articles

Sexual Rewards and Costs in Heterosexual and Gay Hispanic Adults.

The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction proposes that sexual satisfaction can be explained by the balance of sexual rewards or costs exchange. The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) was developed from this model. The IEMSSQ includes the Reward/Costs Checklist (RCC). The RCC assesses different sexual exchanges that are categorized into sexual rewards and/or costs. Analyses and comparisons of sexual rewards and costs in the Hispanic cisgender population based on gender (man or woman) and sexual orientation (heterosexual and homosexual) with this measure have not been conducted. The main goal was to analyze and rank the sexual rewards, costs, and both, indicated by a sample of 1996 Hispanic partnered participants (heterosexual men, gay men, heterosexual women, and lesbians). The predominant sexual exchanges that were reported involved emotional aspects, both as rewards and costs. When participants indicated that the exchange was both a reward and a cost, they were referring to aspects specifically related to the sexual relationship itself. Heterosexual men and women had greater rewards and higher costs, respectively. Gay men obtained a greater number of items reported as rewards and costs. The results provide further insight into sexual satisfaction related to gender and sexual orientation.

Sexual exchanges explain the association between attachment insecurities and sexual satisfaction in long-term couples

Although attachment insecurity has been linked to sexual dissatisfaction in cross-sectional research, little is known about the mechanisms by which attachment is associated with sexual satisfaction over time. This study examined the role of attachment insecurities in sexual satisfaction over time using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) as a theoretical framework. Participants were 151 Canadian mixed-gender couples in a long-term relationship ( M = 9.7 years) who completed questionnaires at two time points. The results demonstrate that sexual exchanges explained the associations between attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoidance) and sexual satisfaction in both men and women in long-term relationships, although the specific pathways differed by gender. These results are discussed in the context of the IEMSS and attachment theory.

Comparison of the components of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction between different typologies of adherence to the sexual double standard

Comparison of the components of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction between different typologies of adherence to the sexual double standard

The impact of COVID-19-related anti-Asian discrimination on sexual communication and relationships among Asian individuals in the United States.

Asian individuals in the United States have experienced heightened racial discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may reduce positive relationship processes and damage intimate relationships, including their sexual behaviors and quality. Guided by the chilling effect and Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, this study explores how COVID-19-related anti-Asian discrimination moderates the relationships between sexual relationship power, sexual self-disclosure, and sexual satisfaction. Results (N = 294 partnered Asian adults) showed that as racial discrimination increased, the positive relationship between sexual relationship power and sexual self-disclosure decreased. As people experienced more racial discrimination, the positive effects of sexual self-disclosure on sexual satisfaction also decreased. Sexual power positively predicted sexual satisfaction via sexual communication, only when COVID-19-related discrimination was low or moderate. This study demonstrates how racial discrimination interacts with relational factors to predict Asian individuals’ sexual communication and, in turn, sexual satisfaction. More public attention and efforts should be devoted to combating anti-Asian discrimination during the pandemic and beyond.

Sexual satisfaction of older adults: testing the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in the ageing population

AbstractHaving a satisfying sex life is important to older adults. Thus, this study aimed to provide information about the sexual satisfaction of older adults in a relationship, using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) as a theoretical framework. Participants were 187 sexually active individuals (98 men and 89 women) in a romantic relationship (age 65–75 years). They were recruited using Amazon's Mechanical-Turk, and completed the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire and two open-ended questions asking what they enjoyed most and least about their sexual relationship. On average, participants were highly sexually satisfied. In keeping with the IEMSS, greater sexual satisfaction was predicted by a more favourable balance of sexual rewards to costs, greater equality of sexual costs and higher satisfaction with the non-sexual aspects of the relationship. Four themes emerged regarding what participants liked most and least about their sexual relationship: emotional aspects of the relationship, physical aspects of the relationship, dyadic aspects of the relationship and age-related aspects of being sexual. None of the four themes were specific to men or women, although some gender/sex differences were found. The results paint a positive picture of the sexual relationships of older adults and support the utility of the IEMSS as a framework to understand sexual satisfaction in older adults.

Relational and Interpersonal Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction

This review aims to compile recent research on the interpersonal and relational predictors of sexual satisfaction and to identify key trends in this area of research. The introduction of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) in 1995 caused researchers to begin conceptualizing sexual satisfaction in a relational context, rather than as an evaluation of individual sexual experiences. This shift gave rise to more dyadic research on sexual satisfaction, and in recent years, dyad-focused research has identified a number of factors that either facilitate or attenuate sexual satisfaction at the partner and relational levels. Factors such as communication, sexual compatibility, and relationship satisfaction have all been shown to facilitate greater sexual satisfaction. Conversely, factors like desire discrepancies and sexual dysfunction are common attenuators. Though recent research has yielded a greater understanding of the factors that are associated with sexual satisfaction, the current review identified an acute lack of experimental manipulations and individual differences research in this area, which may inhibit the development of effective treatments to maximize sexual satisfaction at the couple-level. Current research on sexual satisfaction has identified a number of important interpersonal factors that predict sexual satisfaction levels; however, there is still a great need for research that will clarify the directionality of these relationships and examine individual differences to inform treatment development and clinical practice.

An Explanatory Model of Sexual Satisfaction in Adults with a Same-Sex Partner: An Analysis Based on Gender Differences.

This study aimed to develop an explanatory model of sexual satisfaction in same-sex attracted individuals with a partner, based on personal and interpersonal variables. The participants were 410 men (mean age = 29.24, SD = 9.84) and 410 women (mean age = 29, SD = 8.57) who maintained a relationship with another person of the same sex. Internalized homophobia was considered as a personal variable, and as interpersonal variables, the dimensions of attachment (anxiety and avoidance), sexual functioning, dyadic adjustment, relationship satisfaction, the components of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, the number of sexual costs and the number of sexual rewards were considered. The degree to which sexual satisfaction was related to these variables was examined separately, for both men and women, through multiple linear regression models within the framework of structural equation models. The results indicated that sexual satisfaction is associated in a negative sense with internalized homophobia, the number of sexual costs, anxiety, and avoidance, and in a positive sense with the remaining variables. Relational variables were more relevant in the explanation of sexual satisfaction. The clinical implications are discussed.

Validation of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction With Women in a Same-Sex Relationship

We examined the validity of the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction for sexual-minority women (SMW) with a range of sexual identities (lesbian, bisexual, queer, unlabeled, questioning). Participants, 898 (192 who were dating, 439 who were cohabitating) SMW in a romantic relationship of at least 3 months, completed an online survey that included the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. The results provide support for the validity of the model for SMW in that all the model components (relationship satisfaction, balance of sexual rewards and costs, balance of relative sexual rewards and costs, equality of rewards, equality of costs) were significantly associated with sexual satisfaction. All of the components, except equality of sexual costs, contributed uniquely to the prediction of sexual satisfaction. Neither relationship stage (dating vs. cohabiting) nor sexual identity (lesbian vs. other sexual-minority identity) moderated these associations. Women daters reported a significantly higher level of sexual rewards, sexual costs, and sexual satisfaction than did women cohabiters. The interpersonal exchange model may be used by clinicians as a framework for exploring experiences of low sexual satisfaction with a couple. The results also add to an emerging positive picture of the sexual relationships of SMW at both stages; this information can be used to counter negative stereotypes. Online supplemental files are available at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684316679655 .

Understanding the Sexual Satisfaction of Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia and Their Partners: Comparison With Matched Controls

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD)—a recurrent, localized vulvar pain—interferes with couples' sexual relationships as evidenced by lower sexual satisfaction compared to controls. Little is known about what components of sexual satisfaction contribute to this lower satisfaction. Using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS), we compared the sexual exchanges (sexual rewards and costs, relative sexual rewards and costs, balance of sexual rewards and costs, balance of relative sexual rewards and costs, equality of sexual rewards and costs) and sexual satisfaction of 50 women with PVD and their male partners to 50 matched-control couples. We also compared women with PVD and their partners on these same components. Participants completed standardized measures of sexual exchanges and sexual satisfaction. Women with PVD and their partners reported lower relative sexual rewards, a less favorable balance of relative sexual rewards to costs, and lower sexual satisfaction than controls, although differences were larger for women. Women with PVD also reported lower levels of sexual rewards, higher levels of sexual costs, a less favorable balance of sexual rewards to costs, and lower equality of sexual costs, than control women. Findings identify IEMSS exchange components that may contribute to overall lower satisfaction in couples affected by PVD.

P-06-007 What are Iranian married women's rewards? Using interpersonalexchange model of sexual satisfaction: a qualitative study

What are Iranian married women's rewards? Using interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction: a qualitative study Firoozeh Raisi, Zohreh Parsa Yekta, Abbas Ebadi & Zahra Shahvari a Psychiatric and Clinical Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran b School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Medical-Surgical Department, Tehran, Iran c Behavioral Sciences Research Center (BSRC), Nursing Faculty, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran d School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Reproductive Health Department, Tehran, Iran Published online: 30 Mar 2015.

The longitudinal association of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships.

Several prominent models of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction imply directional relationships between these constructs (e.g., attachment theory, social exchange models of relationship satisfaction, the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction). Previous research has demonstrated that sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction are distinct but correlated constructs, but relatively few studies have examined how they are related over time. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine this association. A sample of heterosexual couples (N = 113) completed a longitudinal study spanning 2 years. At Times 1 and 2 they completed measures of relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed according to the principles of the actor-partner interdependence model using structural equation modeling. Significant actor effects were detected such that, for both men and women, one's own earlier sexual satisfaction predicted one's later relationship satisfaction. In contrast, one's own earlier relationship satisfaction did not significantly predict one's subsequent sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction was a stronger predictor of subsequent relationship satisfaction for men than women. There were no significant partner effects. These results contribute to our theoretical understanding of sexuality and sexual satisfaction in the context of long-term relationships by providing support for theories that conceptualize sexual satisfaction as one factor that contributes to relationship satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record

What are Iranian married women's rewards? Using interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction: a qualitative study

Besides sexual pleasure, the Iranian married women have different reasons for sex. According to Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in sexual interaction, women give something and get something in return, but what it is that Iranian married women attain? How can we explain their rewards by interpersonal exchange model? Can “values” be called rewards?This study was undertaken to determine Iranian married women's rewards in sex by using the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction, and with regard to the cultural values among a sample of Iranian married women.Thirty-four participants were recruited through purposive sampling of married women in Tehran; the data collection consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results are reported in four themes to present the participants' rewards in their sex. The themes consist of (1) meeting the physical needs of the couple; (2) strengthening couple emotional relationships; (3) taking control of life; and (4) values and beliefs governing the sexual relationship.Using a qualitative research, Iranian married women's rewards in sex were determined. Our findings highlight the potential role of cultural values in reducing dissatisfaction with one's sex life.

Sexual Satisfaction in Spanish Heterosexual Couples: Testing the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction

The study of sexual satisfaction in Spain is scarce and has proceeded atheoretically. This study aimed at examining sexual satisfaction in 197 Spanish heterosexual couples based on the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction. Men and women reported equal satisfaction. Men's sexual satisfaction was predicted by their own relationship satisfaction, balance of sexual rewards and costs, and comparison level of sexual rewards and costs. Women's sexual satisfaction was predicted by their own relationship satisfaction, balance of sexual rewards and costs, comparison level of sexual rewards and costs, equality of sexual costs, and their partner's balance of sexual rewards and costs. These results provide with a better understanding of the mechanisms that explain sexual satisfaction in Spanish couples. Implications for research and therapy are discussed.

Sexual Satisfaction of High-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study examined the validity of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) as a framework for understanding the sexual satisfaction of 205 adults (77 men and 128 women) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD) who were in a romantic relationship of at least 3 months duration. Participants completed an online survey that included a background questionnaire, the IEMSS Questionnaire, and a measure of autism symptoms. The results provide support for the validity of the IEMSS in that all the IEMSS components (relationship satisfaction, balance of sexual rewards and costs, balance of relative sexual rewards and costs, equality of rewards, equality of costs) were significantly associated with sexual satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction and the balance of rewards and costs added over and above the other components. The model was not moderated by gender, relationship duration or extent of autism symptoms. However, participants with more autism symptoms related to social functioning reported lower sexual satisfaction as well as lower scores on all of the IEMSS components. There were few gender differences. These results are discussed in terms of the impact of HF-ASD on adults’ experiences of their sexual satisfaction with their partner.

Predicting Sexual Satisfaction in Interpersonal Relationships

Two theoretical models hypothesized to predict sexual satisfaction were assessed. The Sexual Knowledge and Influence Model (SKIM), generated from Metts and colleagues' sexual communication research (Cupach & Metts, 1991, 1995; Metts & Cupach, 1989; Metts & Spitzberg, 1996) and Luft's (1969) Johari window, delineates that willingness to communicate and sexual knowledge jointly predict sexual satisfaction. Alternatively, Byers's Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS; Byers, 2001; Byers & Demmons, 1999; Byers & Wang, 2004; Lawrance & Byers, 1992, 1995) suggests that exchange variables predict sexual satisfaction. Regression analyses demonstrated that these data were consistent with a combined model in which sexual knowledge and sexual exchange variables were successful at predicting individuals' sexual satisfaction levels.

Exploring actor and partner correlates of sexual satisfaction among married couples

Using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, we consider how infidelity, pornography consumption, marital satisfaction, sexual frequency, premarital sex, and cohabitation are associated with married couples’ sexual satisfaction. Data from 433 couples are analyzed with structural equation models to determine the contributions of (a) each respondent’s predictors (actor effects) and (b) his/her spouse’s predictors (partner effects). No gender differences in actor and partner effects emerge. Marital satisfaction and sexual frequency act as rewards and increase sexual satisfaction. A partner effect emerges for marital infidelity, suggesting that a spouse’s infidelity is costly for sexual satisfaction. Finally, some evidence suggests that pornography consumption is costly for own and spouse’s sexual satisfaction, especially when pornography is used by only one spouse.

Further Validation of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction

We conducted two studies to further test the validity of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction for long-term opposite-sex relationships (IEMSS; Lawrance & Byers, 1995). Study 1 examined, in a sample of 79 individuals, the extent to which the history of sexual exchanges is associated with sexual satisfaction as well as whether changes in sexual rewards and costs are associated with change in sexual satisfaction. Using a sample of 104 couples, Study 2 examined whether partner rewards and costs add to individuals' own sexual satisfaction over and above own sexual rewards and costs for men or women. The results provided further evidence for the validity of the IEMSS, including support for the propositions that in long-term relationships: (a) sexual satisfaction is influenced by the history of sexual rewards and costs rather than by rewards and costs at a particular point in time; (b) decreases in sexual satisfaction are associated with sexual exchanges becoming less favorable; and (c) satisfaction is influenced by dyadic factors for both men and women.

Sexual Satisfaction and Relationship Satisfaction in Dating Couples

Abstract This study assessed the merits of an amended Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS; Lawrance & Byers, 1992, 1995) that includes a measure of relationship communality, a construct not adequately captured by existing exchange models of sexual/relationship satisfaction. A total of 189 undergraduates (102 female) in sexually active dating relationships completed measures of sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, favorability of sexual exchanges, and the extent to which their romantic relationships were characterized by mutually communal behaviors (i.e., relationship communality). Analyses revealed that relationship communality made a small but unique contribution to sexual satisfaction and a large contribution to relationship satisfaction, even after controlling for sexual satisfaction and favorability of sexual exchanges. Implications for understanding the dynamics of sexually active dating relationships are discussed.

Evidence for the Importance of Relationship Satisfaction for Women's Sexual Functioning

The New View of Women's Sexual Problems proposes “Sexual Problems Relating to Partner and Relationship” as a major context for understanding women's sexual problems. This commentary summarize s some quantitative research on heterosexual women's (and men's) sexual satisfaction based on the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction. The research provides strong empirical support for the importance of including the relational context in any discussion or definition of women's sexual problems, sexual functioning and/or sexual satisfaction.

Sexual Satisfaction within Dating Relationships: A Test of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction

This study extended the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) to short-term dating relationships. The IEMSS has been shown to have excellent validity for long-term heterosexual relationships. The IEMSS proposes that sexual satisfaction is greater to the extent that, over time, relationship satisfaction is high, levels of sexual rewards exceed levels of sexual costs, relative sexual reward levels exceed relative sexual cost levels, and interpersonal equality of sexual rewards and of sexual costs are perceived to exist. Fifty-one college men and 57 college women in a dating relationship of 3 to 36 months participated in the study. As predicted, more sexually satisfied individuals reported greater relationship satisfaction, a more favorable reward/cost ratio, a more favorable relative reward/relative cost ratio, and more equal rewards and costs between partners. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that relationship satisfaction, the difference between relative rewards, relative costs and cost equality made unique contributions to the prediction of sexual satisfaction, accounting for 75 percent of the variance in sexual satisfaction. The model was shown to work equally well for men and women, for individuals new and less new to their relationship, and for high and low self-disclosers. The IEMSS offers a promising approach for investigating and understanding sexual satisfaction.