Summary
People who report positive experiences with emotional intimacy in their relationships in recovery from alcoholism have sexual satisfaction scores 40% higher than people who report negative experiences with emotional intimacy.
Research Details
While our case studies have long indicated a correlation between high levels of emotional intimacy and positive experiences with sexual satisfaction, this is the first research we are aware of that studied these two relationship dynamics in the context of partnerships that have experienced alcoholism.
Our Intimacy Intervention was a twelve month longitudinal study conducted between March 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025. We received confirmed informed consent from 31 individuals (15 couples, and 1 individual whose partner chose not to participate in the study – the 1 individual was not included as partner participation was a condition of inclusion). Two couples dropped out of the study during the course of the year, and their data was not included in research calculations or findings. Thirteen couples (N=26 individuals) completed the study. All participants were recruited from the Stigma program called the Marriagevolution (relationship recovery from alcoholism, peer support), and were familiar with the researchers.
All participants completed a pre-intervention survey, and all participants completed a survey at the end of the 12 month study. In addition, all participants were invited to complete surveys at the end of each quarter (3 months). Participants were instructed to complete all surveys privately and individually, without consultation with their partners. The surveys gathered demographic information and included scales to assess emotional intimacy (EIS-5), sexual satisfaction (GMSEX-5), relationship satisfaction (GMREL-5), and sexual need/desire (NSIS). Participants were also asked qualitative questions about emotional intimacy, sexual satisfaction, physical intimacy, and trust. Participants were asked about the frequency of sexual activity.
Intimacy Interventions were introduced to the participants each quarter (Q1 – 3 interventions, Q2 – 2 interventions, Q3 – 2 interventions, Q4 – 1 intervention). Participation in the interventions was suggested, but not mandated, and participants answered questions about their engagement with, and the impact of, all eight interventions.
All 13 couples (N=26 individuals) in our Intimacy Intervention study answered this qualitative question “How do you feel about emotional intimacy with your partner?” The responses were classified as positive or negative. Twenty of 26 participants (77%) reported negative emotional intimacy in their relationships. The remaining 6 of 26 participants (23%) reported positive experiences and feelings about emotional intimacy.
In the case of 11 of the 13 couples (85%), both participants in the relationship agreed regarding positive or negative emotional intimacy. In only 2 of 13 couples (15%), the responses regarding emotional intimacy were not in congruence.
Of the 20 participants with negative qualitative emotional intimacy, their average score on the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction scale (GMSEX) was 3.4/7.0. Those same 20 participants had an average score on the Emotional Intimacy Scale of 3.2/5.0.
Of the 6 participants with positive qualitative emotional intimacy, the average GMSEX score (sexual satisfaction) was 6.2/7.0, and the average EIS score (emotional intimacy) was 4.3/5.0.
Findings
Participants who reported positive qualitative experiences with emotional intimacy had Emotional Intimacy Scale scores that were 1.1 points higher (22%), and sexual satisfaction scores (GMSEX) that were 2.8 points higher (40%), than participants who reported negative qualitative emotional intimacy.