Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire

Abstract

The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) Questionnaire is a comprehensive self-report measure designed to assess the core components of the IEMSS conceptual framework. This model views sexual satisfaction within relationships as a function of specific relational dynamics, particularly the balance of perceived sexual rewards versus sexual costs. The development of the IEMSS Questionnaire aimed to address methodological shortcomings in previous research, such as the reliance on single-item measures, the inclusion of predictive variables (e.g., sexual frequency) within satisfaction scales, and the failure to validate instruments across diverse populations, including sexual-minority individuals.

The scale posits that sexual satisfaction is influenced by four key factors: the ratio of sexual rewards to sexual costs, the comparison of these exchanges to expected levels (Comparison Level, or CL), the perceived equity of rewards and costs between partners, and the overall nonsexual quality of the relationship. The questionnaire comprises three primary self-report measures—the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX), the Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction (GMREL), and the Exchanges Questionnaire—as well as the detailed 58-item Rewards/Costs Checklist (RCC).

Keywords

Sexual Satisfaction, Interpersonal Exchange Model, Relationship Satisfaction, Sexual Rewards, Sexual Costs, GMSEX, GMREL, Dyadic Adjustment, Reliability, Validity.

Authors

Kelli-An Lawrance (Brock University), E. Sandra Byers (University of New Brunswick), Jacqueline N. Cohen (Correctional Service of Canada).

Purpose

The primary purpose of the IEMSS Questionnaire is to operationalize the theoretical constructs of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction. It moves beyond simple evaluations of sexual happiness to quantify the specific exchange dynamics (rewards, costs, expectations, and equality) that underpin long-term sexual satisfaction in committed relationships.

The scale was explicitly designed to overcome limitations of earlier measures, such as ambiguous validity, low reliability due to single-item usage, and the conflation of predictors with the actual measure of satisfaction. Furthermore, its revisions ensure applicability and validation for diverse populations, including both mixed-sex and sexual-minority relationships (Lawrance & Byers, 1992; Cohen, Byers, & Walsh, 2008).

Construct

The IEMSS Questionnaire measures sexual satisfaction based on the social exchange theory framework. It conceptualizes satisfaction as being derived from the balance of perceived exchanges within the sexual relationship. The core exchange constructs measured are:

• Sexual Rewards (REW): Exchanges experienced as pleasurable, positive, or gratifying.
• Sexual Costs (CST): Exchanges requiring effort, or causing pain, anxiety, or other negative affect.
• Comparison Level (CLREW and CLCST): The level of rewards and costs expected by the individual in a relationship.
• Perceived Equality (EQREW and EQCST): The degree to which partners perceive the rewards and costs they receive/incur are balanced relative to each other.

The scale also includes measures for overall relationship satisfaction (GMREL) and overall sexual satisfaction (GMSEX), recognizing that nonsexual relationship aspects are crucial determinants of sexual well-being, as hypothesized by the IEMSS framework. The exchanges components (REW, CST, CLREW, CLCST) are mathematically combined to form the key predictive indices of the model, such as the reward-cost balance (REW − CST) and the comparison level outcome (CLREW − CLCST).

Validity

Evidence for the validity of the IEMSS Questionnaire is robust. The construct validity of the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX) was supported by a strong negative correlation (r = –.65, p < .001) with scores on the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS; Hudson et al., 1981). The Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction (GMREL) demonstrated construct validity through a significant positive correlation (r = .69, p < .001) with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; Spanier, 1976).

Furthermore, the core exchange components (rewards and costs) showed expected correlations with external measures of satisfaction. Crucially, the items on the Exchanges Questionnaire and the resulting components of the model are all significantly and uniquely correlated with GMSEX. The predictive strength of the model is demonstrated by the finding that multiple assessments over time enhance the prediction of sexual satisfaction (Byers & MacNeil, 2006).

The IEMSS theoretical structure is typically tested using hierarchical regression analysis, where GMREL is entered in the first step (to control for general relationship quality) and the four specific exchange components (EQREW, EQCST, REW − CST, and CLREW − CLCST) are entered in the second step to test their unique contributions.

Reliability

The GMSEX and GMREL subscales consistently exhibit high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) across diverse samples, including married/cohabiting mixed-sex couples, individuals in China, and sexual-minority women. Alpha coefficients generally range from 0.90 to 0.96 for GMSEX and 0.91 to 0.96 for GMREL.

Test-retest reliabilities for the global measures are also high over short intervals: 0.84 for GMSEX and 0.81 for GMREL at 2 weeks. These values decrease moderately over longer periods, reaching 0.73 for GMSEX and 0.61 for GMREL at 18 months. As anticipated for measures reflecting fluctuating relational dynamics, the test-retest reliabilities for the specific exchange components (REW, CST, CLREW, CLCST, REW − CST, and CLREW − CLCST) are moderate for individuals in long-term relationships, ranging from 0.43 to 0.67 at 3 months and 0.25 to 0.56 at 18 months (Lawrance & Byers, 1995).

Factor Analysis

While the source material does not detail a formal factor analysis, the structure of the IEMSS Questionnaire implies a multi-dimensional approach, separating global satisfaction measures from the specific exchange components derived from the underlying theory. The instrument’s utility is confirmed through validation studies that demonstrate the distinct predictive power of the computed exchange variables (e.g., REW − CST) toward the primary outcome variable (GMSEX).

The statistical testing framework, which uses hierarchical regression, confirms that the exchange components account for unique variance in sexual satisfaction beyond the variance explained by general relationship satisfaction (GMREL), supporting the conceptual independence of the measured constructs within the predictive model.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report psychological scale and checklist.

Format: The questionnaire package includes three Likert-type scales (GMSEX, GMREL, Exchanges Questionnaire) and a 58-item Dichotomous Checklist (Rewards/Costs Checklist, RCC).

Language Available: English (Original development). Used in studies involving Chinese populations (Renaud, Byers, & Pan, 1997).

Population Group: Adults in committed or long-term relationships, including heterosexual, mixed-sex, and sexual-minority individuals (lesbians and gay men).

Age Group: Primarily used with university students and adults in long-term relationships.

Population Details: Validation included samples from university settings, married/cohabiting couples, and sexual-minority populations, addressing an historical methodological gap.

Test Methodology: The GMSEX and GMREL use five 7-point dimensions (scores 5–35). The Exchanges Questionnaire uses 9-point scales, yielding calculated scores for equality (0–4) and exchange balances (–8 to 8). Total completion time is approximately 20 minutes (10 minutes for the scales, 10 minutes for the RCC).

Keywords

Social Exchange Theory, GMSEX, GMREL, Sexual Costs, Sexual Rewards, Interpersonal relationships, Comparison Level, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Long-term relationships, Sexual-minority.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Information not provided in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: Information not provided in source content.

Correspondence Address: Information not provided in source content.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The initial concept and scale development (GMSEX, GMREL, Exchanges Questionnaire) were published in 1992 and 1995 (Lawrance & Byers). The 58-item Rewards/Costs Checklist (RCC) was revised by 2008 to include sexual-minority experiences (Cohen, Byers, & Walsh). Specific information regarding current usage fees or formal permissions must be obtained directly from the principal authors (Kelli-An Lawrance or E. Sandra Byers).

Reference’s

• Byers, E. S., & MacNeil, S. (2006). Further validation of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 32, 53–69.
• Cohen, J. N. (2008). Minority stress, resilience, and sexual functioning in sexual-minority women. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of New Brunswick.
• Cohen, J. N., Byers, E. S., & Walsh, L. P. (2008). Factors influencing the sexual relationships of lesbians and gay men. International Journal of Sexual Health, 20, 162–246.
• Hudson, W., Harrison, D., & Crosscup, P. (1981). A short-form scale to measure sexual discord in dyadic relationships. The Journal of Sex Research, 17, 157–174.
• Lawrance, K., & Byers, E. S. (1992). Development of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in long-term relationships. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 1, 123–128.
• Lawrance, K., & Byers, E. S. (1995). Sexual satisfaction in long-term heterosexual relationships: The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction. Personal Relationships, 2, 267–285.
• MacNeil, S., & Byers, E. S. (2009). Role of sexual self-disclosure in the sexual satisfaction of long-term heterosexual couples. The Journal of Sex Research, 46, 1–12.
• Peck, S. R., Shaffer, D. R., & Williamson, G. M. (2004). Sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction in dating couples: The contributions of relationship communality and favorability of sexual exchanges. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 16, 17–37.
• Renaud, C., Byers, E. S., & Pan, S. (1997). Sexual and relationship satisfaction in mainland China. The Journal of Sex Research, 34, 339–410.
• Renaud, C. A., & Byers, E. S. (2001). Positive and negative sexual cognitions: Subjective experience and relationships to sexual adjustment. The Journal of Sex Research, 38, 252–262.
• Spanier, G. (1976). Measuring dyadic adjustment: New scales for assessing the quality of marriage and similar dyads. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 38, 15–28.

Items of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire

GMSEX

Overall, how would you describe your sexual relationship with your partner? 1.

3.

GMREL

In general, how would you describe your overall relationship with your partner? 1.

Exchanges Questionnaire

When people think about their sexual relationship with their partner, most can think of both rewards and costs about their sexual relationship. Rewards are things that are positive or pleasing: things they like about their sexual relationship. Costs are things that are negative or displeasing: things they don’t like about their sexual relationship.

1. Think about the rewards that you have received in your sexual relationship with your partner within the past three months. How reward- ing is your sexual relationship with your partner?

   D	D	D	D	D	D	D
   Not at all Rewarding						Extremely Rewarding

2. Most people have a general expectation about how rewarding their sexual relationship “should be.” Compared to this general expectation, they may feel that their sexual relationship is more rewarding, less rewarding, or as rewarding as it “should be.”

   Based on your own expectation about how rewarding your sexual relationship with your partner “should be,” how does your level of rewards compare to that expectation?

   D	D	D	D	D	D	D
   Much Less						Much More
   Rewarding in						Rewarding in
   Comparison						Comparison

3. How does the level of rewards that you get from your sexual relationship with your partner compare to the level of rewards that your partner gets from the relationship?

   D	D	D	D	D	D	D
   My Rewards						Partner’s
   Are Much						Rewards Are
   Higher						Much Higher

4. Think about the costs that you have incurred in your sexual relationship with your partner within the past three months. How costly is your sexual relationship with your partner?

   D	D	D	D	D	D	D
   Not at all Costly						Extremely Costly

5. Most people have a general expectation about how costly their sexual relationship “should be.” Compared to this general expectation, they may feel that their sexual relationship is more costly, less costly, or as costly as it “should be.” Based on your own expectation about how costly your sexual relationship with your partner “should be,” how does your level of costs compare to that expectation?

   D	D	D	D	D	D	D
   Much Less						Much More
   Costly in						Costly in
   Comparison						Comparison

6. How does the level of costs that you incur in your sexual relationship with your partner compare to the level of costs that your partner gets from the relationship?

   D	D	D	D	D	D	D
   My Costs						Partner’s
   Are Much						Costs Are
   Higher						Much Higher

Rewards/Costs Checklist (RCC)

Note to researcher: The presentation order of the Rewards Checklist and the Costs Checklist is counterbalanced across participants. The items are identical in both Checklists. The response options for the Rewards Checklist are Reward and Not a Reward. The response options for the Costs Checklist are Cost and Not a Cost.

Instructions. We will be asking you some more questions about your sexual relationship with your partner. Before answering them, it is important that you carefully read the following information.

When people think about their sexual relationship with their partner, most can give concrete examples of positive/pleasing things they like about their sexual relationship. These are rewards. Most people can also give concrete examples of negative/displeasing things they don’t like about their sexual relationship. These are costs.

For example, take oral sex.

Oral sex would be a reward if you feel that you engage in this sexual activity “just the right amount” and you enjoy it.

Oral sex would be a cost if you would like to engage in oral sex more often or less often than you do, or you do not enjoy it.

You will be asked to complete the same list twice. One time you will be asked to indicate whether each item in this list is generally a reward in your sexual relationship with your partner or not a reward. The other time you will be asked to indicate whether each item is a cost in your sexual relationship with your partner or not a cost.

Note that things can be both rewards and costs. For example, oral sex would be both a reward and a cost if you enjoy oral sex but want it more or less frequently. Further, some items may be neither rewards nor costs in your sexual relationship.

Rewards Checklist

This is a list of possible rewards and costs in your sexual relationship. Please indicate whether each item in this list is generally a reward

in your sexual relationship with your partner or not a reward.

In brief, things that are positive, pleasing, or “just right” are rewards.

1. 1. Level of affection you and your partner express during sexual activities

   2. Degree of emotional intimacy (feeling close, sharing feelings)

   3. Extent to which you and your partner communicate about sex

   4. Variety in sexual activities, locations, times

   5. Extent to which you and your partner use sex toys

   6. Sexual activities you and your partner engage in to arouse each other

   7. How often you experience orgasm (climax)

   8. How often your partner experiences orgasm (climax)

   9. Extent to which you and your partner engage in intimate activities (e.g., talking, cuddling) after sex

   10. Frequency of sexual activities

   11. How much privacy you and your partner have for sex

   12. Oral sex: extent to which your partner stimulates you

   13. Oral sex: extent to which you stimulate your partner

   14. Physical sensations from touching, caressing, hugging

   15. Feelings of physical discomfort or pain during/after sex

   16. How much fun you and your partner experience during sexual interactions

   17. Who initiates sexual activities

   18. Extent to which you feel stressed/relaxed during sexual activities

   19. Extent to which you and your partner express enjoyment about your sexual interactions

   20. Extent to which you and your partner communicate your sexual likes and dislikes to each other

   21. Ability/inability to conceive a child

   22. Extent to which you and your partner engage in role-playing or act out fantasies

   23. How you feel about yourself during/after engaging in sexual activities with your partner

   24. Extent to which your partner shows consideration for your wants/needs/feelings

   25. How your partner treats you (verbally and physically) when you have sex

   26. Having sex when you’re not in the mood

   27. Having sex when your partner is not in the mood

   28. Extent to which you let your guard down with your partner

   29. Extent to which your partner lets their guard down with you

   30. Method of protection (from sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy) used by you and your partner

   31. Extent to which you and your partner discuss and use protection (from sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy)

   32. How comfortable you and your partner are with each other

   33. Extent to which/way in which your partner influences you to engage in sexual activity

   34. Extent to which you and your partner argue after engaging in sexual activity

   35. Extent to which you and your partner are/are not sexually exclusive (i.e., have sex only with each other)

   36. How much time you and your partner spend engaging in sexual activities

   37. How easy it is for you to have an orgasm (climax)

   38. How easy it is for your partner to have an orgasm (climax)

   39. Extent to which your sexual relationship with your partner reflects or breaks down stereotypical gender roles (the way women and men are expected to behave sexually)

   40. How your partner responds to your initiation of sexual activity

   41. Being naked in front of your partner

   42. Your partner being naked in front of you

   43. Extent to which your partner talks to other people about your sex life

   44. Extent to which you and your partner read/watch sexually explicit material (e.g., erotic stories, pornographic videos)

   45. Pleasing/trying to please your partner sexually

   46. Extent to which sexual interactions with your partner make you feel secure in the relationship

   47. Extent to which you get sexually aroused

   48. Amount of spontaneity in your sex life

   49. Extent of control you feel during/after sexual activity

   50. Extent to which you engage in sexual activities that you dislike but your partner enjoys

   51. Extent to which you engage in sexual activities that you enjoy but your partner dislikes

   52. Worry that you or your partner will get a sexually transmitted infection from each other

   53. How confident you feel in terms of your ability to please your partner sexually

   54. Extent to which you and your partner engage in anal sex/anal play

   55. Your partner’s ability to please you sexually

   56. Extent to which you think your partner is physically attracted to/sexually desires you

   57. Extent to which you are physically attracted to/sexually desire your partner

   58. Extent to which you and your partner are sexually compatible (i.e., well matched in terms of your sexual likes/dislikes)

Costs Checklist

This is a list of possible rewards and costs in your sexual relationship. Please indicate whether each item in this list is a cost in your sexual relationship with your partner or not a cost.

In brief, things that are negative, displeasing, or “too little or too much” are costs.

Note to researcher: The same 58 checklist items are repeated here.