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There is growing evidence that intimacy, i.e., emotional closeness, may promote couples’ sexual well-being. However, some argue that the key to maintain a satisfying sex life is rather a balance between intimacy and differentiation (e.g., Schnarch, 1991). There is a relationship context in which this balance is achieved: responses to capitalization attempts, which involves the disclosure of a positive personal event that took place outside the couple's relationship. Partner responses following the disclosure of a positive event that does not include the partner can be classified into four types: active–constructive, passive–constructive, active–destructive, and passive–destructive. Only active-constructive responses (i.e., enthusiasm, elaboration) are considered responsive and would be the opportunity to strengthen the couple's intimacy (emotional closeness) and, at the same time, to show acceptance and recognition of the partner's individuality. There are studies that have found links between the different types of partners' responses in the context of capitalization attempts and relational and individual benefits, but none that have examined associations with sexual well-being in community couples.
The aim of this study was to examine the associations between one’s perception of their own responses, their partner’s responses, and observed responses to capitalization attempts and sexual satisfaction, distress, and function in 151 same-gender and mixed-gender cohabiting couples. These couples participated in a filmed discussion in the laboratory, in which each partner took turns in sharing a positive personal event. Each participant completed self-report questionnaires assessing their own and their partner’s responses as well as their sexual satisfaction, distress and function.
What did we find?
Results indicated that one’s higher levels of self-reported and partner-perceived active-constructive responses (e.g., enthusiasm, elaboration) were associated with one’s own greater sexual satisfaction. Higher levels of observed active-destructive responses (e.g., undermines the event/denies the positive nature of the event) in women were associated with their lower sexual satisfaction, while higher levels of perceived passive-constructive responses (e.g., quiet but attentive and/or interested) from one’s partner were associated with one’s own lower sexual satisfaction. Higher levels of self-reported and perceived passive-destructive responses (e.g., lack of interest and self-focus) were associated with one’s greater sexual distress. Finally, higher levels of observed active-destructive responses were associated with one’s lower sexual function.
The results support the theory suggesting that a satisfying sex life would be maintained by the ability to encourage the partner’s individuality, while remaining intimately connected (Schnarch, 2009). In addition, this study highlights the importance of positive daily interactions in couples’ sexual well-being. Finally, it would be clinically important to take into consideration the perception of each member of the couple, as well as the perception of the therapist himself, since each perspective (observer, partner who receives a disclosure, partner who discloses) can be associated with different variables.
If you would like to know more about this study, we invite you to read the full paper:
Bosisio, M., Rosen, N. O., Dubé, J. H., Vaillancourt-Morel, M-P., Daspe, M-È. et Bergeron, S. (2022). Will you be happy for me? Associations between self-reported, perceived, and observed responses to positive events and sexual well-being in cohabiting couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(8), 2454-2477. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221080581
A recent study conducted in our laboratory examined the daily mood of couples in which women were diagnosed with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) (pain at the entrance of the vagina during sexual intercourse). We wanted to know if both partners’ daily anxiety or depressive symptoms influenced women’s pain and couples’ sexual well-being. To do so, 127 women with PVD and their partners independently completed daily electronic diaries with questions regarding mood, pain during sexual intercourse, sexual function and sexual distress.
What did we find?
Results showed that on sexual activity days, when women reported feeling more anxious and depressed, they perceived their pain during sexual intercourse to be greater, they reported lower sexual function and they experienced more distress regarding their sexuality. On the partners’ side, on sexual activity days when they reported feeling more anxious or depressed, they experienced more sexual distress and so did women.
Therefore, finding ways to reduce both partners’ daily anxious and depressed feelings may be beneficial for the pain, your sexuality and your relationship!
For more details we invite you to read the full paper:
Pâquet, M., Rosen, N.O., Mayrand, M. H., Steben, M. Santerre-Baillargeon, M., & Bergeron, S. (2018). Daily anxiety and depressive symptoms in couples coping with vulvodynia: Associations with women's pain, women's sexual function and both partners' sexual distress. Journal of Pain.
doi : 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.12.264
A recent study conducted in our laboratory examined the relationship between child sexual abuse and pain during sexual intercourse. Although child sexual abuse has been identified as a risk factor for the development of genito-pelvic pain, we still know very little about what could explain this relationship. In this study, we wanted to know whether higher levels of anxiety among victims of child sexual abuse would explain why they are more likely of experiencing painful intercourse. To answer this question, data were gathered from 218 sexually active adolescent girls recruited from seven metropolitan high schools, who completed questionnaires pertaining to anxiety, history of child sexual abuse as well as pain during intercourse.
What did we find?
Results showed that adolescent girls who reported being victims of sexual abuse reported being more anxious, which in turn increased their risk of reporting genito-pelvic pain. Therefore, findings suggest that anxiety may be one of the mechanisms by which child sexual abuse leads to an increased risk of developing pain during intercourse in this population.
Health professionals must be aware that a history of sexual abuse among teenage girls can contribute to the development of pain during sexual intercourse, a condition that can have a significant impact on their developing sexual life. Also, interventions specifically targeting anxiety could be an avenue to help these adolescents cope with this sexual problem.
For more details, we invite you to read the full paper:
Santerre-Baillargeon, M., Vézina-Gagnon, P., Daigneault, I., Landry, T., & Bergeron, S. (2017). Anxiety mediates the relation between childhood sexual abuse and genito-pelvic pain in adolescent girls. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 43(8), 774-785. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2016.1266539
A recent study conducted in our laboratory examined the associations between self-compassion and the well-being of couples coping with pain during sexual intercourse. Self-compassion means having compassion toward oneself, as we would have toward a good friend, and entails qualities such as kindness toward oneself in instances of pain or failure. Because many women with pain during intercourse have a negative image of themselves in the context of sexuality, self-compassion may be especially relevant for this population. In this study, we wanted to answer the following question: Is self-compassion associated with pain intensity as well as psychological, sexual, and relationship well-being of both partners?
To answer this question, data were gathered from 48 women diagnosed with provoked vestibulodynia—the most common subtype of pain during intercourse, characterized by pain at the entrance of the vagina—and their partners, using self-report questionnaires pertaining to anxiety, depression, sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, and pain intensity during sexual intercourse.
What did we find?
Results showed that for both women and their partners, higher levels of self-compassion were associated with their own lower anxiety and depression. Also, when partners reported higher levels of self-compassion, they were more satisfied with their relationship, and both partners and women reported lower sexual distress. No significant association was found for pain during intercourse.
Findings suggest that self-compassion may help couples coping with painful intercourse by decreasing its impact on their psychological, sexual and relational well-being. Interventions aimed at increasing self-compassion could enhance the efficacy of psychological treatments for these women and their partners. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of self-compassion among this population.
For more details, we invite you to read the full paper:
Santerre-Baillargeon, M., Rosen, N.O., Steben, M., Pâquet, M., Macabena Perez, R., Bergeron, S. (2018). Does self-compassion benefit couples coping with vulvodynia? Associations with psychological, sexual and relationship adjustment. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 34(7), 629-637. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000579
A recent study from our lab, in collaboration with the Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven in Belgium, examined the reasons why we have sex and how these motivations predict not only our behaviour in bed, but also how intimate and sexually satisfied we feel.
We worked with newlywed mixed-sex couples, asking them to complete a diary everyday for 5 weeks about their relationship and their sexuality.
What were the results?
We found that on average, when the participants’ motives for having sex included wanting to please themselves, their behaviour in bed tended to be more genitally-focused (i.e., include more behaviours such as vaginal intercourse, oral sex), and their sexual satisfaction was higher. This was true for both men and women.
In contrast, men and women tended to differ about their feelings of intimacy: When men’s sexual motives included to please their partner, both partners in the couple felt a greater sense of intimacy in the relationship. One reason for this may be that the men’s greater focus on their partner resulted in them paying more attention to her needs, leading both partners to feel closer to each other.
For women, it was their motivation to please themselves that predicted greater intimacy in the couple. Indeed, in these couples, it is possible that when women were motivated by their own pleasure, they communicated their sexual needs more clearly, leading both partners to feel closer to each other.
Studies such as this one, which seek to better understand couples in their everyday sexuality, can give us clues as to how couples can maintain their sexual health over time. What this study suggests is that part of the answer may be in paying attention to our own sexual desires and needs, and in expressing them to our partners.
If you would like to know more about this study, we invite you to read the full paper:
Jodouin, J.-F., Bergeron, S., Desjardins, F., & Janssen, E. (2018). Sexual behavior mediates the relationship between sexual motives and sexual outcomes: A daily diary study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1(12), 11.
A recent study performed by our lab in collaboration with the Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven in Belgium, focused on how everyday sexual difficulties predict a couples’ behaviour in bed, and their overall sexual satisfaction after sex.
We worked with newlywed mixed-sex couples, asking them to complete a diary everyday for 5 weeks about their couple and their sexuality.
What were the results?
We found that even in newlywed couples, sexual difficulties were common. Women reported at least some sexual difficulty two-thirds of the times they had sex, and men, one-third of the time; of these, most were difficulties with sexual desire and arousal.
The couple’s sexual difficulties also tended to predict other aspects of their sexuality. On days when sex was even a little difficult for one participant, sexual satisfaction was lower for both partners. It was not very surprising that the participant reporting the difficulty was less sexually satisfied; for the other partner, it may be that they felt less desired when sex was difficult, and that this affected their own sexual satisfaction.
We also found that on days when sex was difficult, the couples’ sexual behaviour tended to be less varied. This more restricted sexual repertoire may be an indication that in such cases, one or both partners tended to “just get on with it”, and this may have compounded the couples’ lower sexual satisfaction.
Studies such as this one, which seek to better understand couples in their everyday sexuality, can give us clues as to how couples can maintain their sexual health over time. This study’s findings highlight how difficulties in one partner affect the couple as a whole. This has implications for treatment, and underscores the importance of including both partners when addressing sexual difficulties.
If you would like to know more about this study, we invite you to read the full paper:
Jodouin, J.-F., Bergeron, S., & Janssen, E. (2018). The mediating role of sexual behavior in event-level associations between sexual difficulties and sexual satisfaction in newlywed couples. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 15(10), 9.
The Canada Research Chair in Intimate Relationships and Sexual Wellbeing will aim to understand (1) what prevents adolescents and adults from forging satisfying intimate and sexual relationships, such as childhood victimization, and (2) what may facilitate these relationships, such as social support, intimacy and attachment. (3) This Chair will also aim to develop and evaluate novel targeted interventions to improve individuals’ intimate and sexual relationships across the lifespan. Throughout, Dr. Bergeron will focus on inclusion and diversity challenges specific to vulnerable populations, in particular, sexual and gender minorities, in addition to the growing role of emerging technologies in our social ties.
This type of chronic pain in women, whose most common form is called Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD), is associated with a range of psychological, sexual and relational consequences that are sometimes more damaging than the pain itself. Studies with couples coping with PVD demonstrate positive repercussions of intimacy (empathic responses between romantic partners) in their relational and sexual lives. In other words, feeling cared for, validated, and understood by a romantic partner has been associated with positive effects on sexuality and the relationship (e.g., less sexual distress and better marital satisfaction).
In this study, we wanted to know what is associated with the ability to properly perceive and offer empathic responding towards the romantic partner in this population. Knowing that women suffering from PVD often report a certain fear of losing their partner (insecure attachment) and that both members of the couple generally report more depressive symptoms, it appeared relevant to examine the impact of these factors on couples’ ability to communicate empathically. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the associations between depressive symptoms, insecure attachment, and perceived and observed empathic responses. To do this, 50 couples coping with PVD took part in a filmed discussion about the impact of PVD in their lives and completed questionnaires.
What did we find?
Results of our study indicated that when women and partners reported greater depressive symptoms and fear of abandonment, they perceived each other as being less empathic. When partners experienced greater depressive symptoms, women and partners engaged in fewer empathic responses.
These results suggest that depressive symptoms and fear of abandonment may act as perceptual filters to partner’s empathic responses. Consequently, behaviors that could be objectively classified as having been understanding and validating may not be perceived as such by each member of the couple. Results also indicate that the partners’ depressive symptoms could interfere with both partners’ capacity to be empathic to each other. Taken together, these findings point to the fact that assessing and targeting depressive symptoms, in addition to the presence of relationship insecurity in couple therapy could increase the perception of empathic responses in each member of the couple. In turn, this could enhance their sexual and relational lives, knowing the important role intimacy plays for couples coping with PVD. Further, although women carry a higher burden from the pain condition, clinicians should not underestimate the presence of depressive symptoms in their partners as it interferes with couples’ healthy and empathic communication patterns.
If you would like to know more about this study, we invite you to read the full paper:
Bosisio, M., Pâquet, M., Bois, K., Rosen, N.O., & Bergeron, S. (2019). Are depressive symptoms and attachment styles associated with observed and perceived partner responsiveness in couples coping with genito-pelvic pain? Journal of Sex Research, 1-11. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1610691
Sophie Bergeron (Université de Montréal) and Jacinthe Dion (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi), co-principal investigators of the project, have received a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to conduct a longitudinal study on 3000 adolescents from two large regions of Quebec (Montréal and the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean).
The main objective of the “Precursors of youth’s sexual and romantic relationships study” (PRESAJ) is to better understand young people's sexuality and dating relationships and the challenges they entail. The results will help us take action and empower young people during their romantic and sexual relationship development.
Our team is composed of researchers and partners from: the Université de Montréal (Sophie Bergeron and Isabelle Daigneault), the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (Jacinthe Dion), the Université du Quebec à Montreal (Martine Hébert, Martin Blais, Natacha Godbout), the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (Dr Marc Steben), the University of New Brunswick (Lucia O’Sullivan) and the University of Zagreb, Croatia (Aleksandar Stulhofer).
