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Development of the Perceived Synchrony During Sex Questionnaire (PSSQ).
Aleksandra Pawłowska1,2, Andres Perez Alonso3, Erick Janssen2
1Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Universiteit Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed the Perceived Synchrony during Sex Questionnaire (PSSQ) to measure temporal coordination in sexual interactions. Higher PSSQ scores correlate with greater sexual and relationship satisfaction, indicating synchrony
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Sexuality
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Interpersonal synchrony, the coordination of behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physiological responses between individuals, is linked to well-being.
- The role of interpersonal synchrony in sexual interactions is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess perceived interpersonal synchrony during sexual experiences.
- To examine the psychometric properties of the Perceived Synchrony during Sex Questionnaire (PSSQ).
Main Methods:
- Development of the Perceived Synchrony during Sex Questionnaire (PSSQ).
- Administration of the PSSQ to 1136 participants (65% women).
- Correlation analysis of PSSQ scores with measures of self-perception, sexual empathy, satisfaction, distress, function, and partner responsiveness.
- Factor analysis to determine the structure of perceived synchrony during sex.
- Internal consistency and measurement invariance analyses.
Main Results:
- The PSSQ demonstrated a four-factor structure: behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physiological synchrony.
- The 20-item PSSQ showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .89).
- PSSQ scores positively correlated with sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, perceived partner responsiveness, and differentiation of self.
- Measurement invariance was established across genders.
Conclusions:
- The PSSQ is the first validated tool for assessing perceived synchrony in sexual experiences.
- Perceived synchrony during sex is relevant to sexual satisfaction, relationship quality, and perceived partner responsiveness.
- Findings highlight the importance of interpersonal synchrony for sexual well-being and relational dynamics.
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