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Séguin LJ. "I've Learned to Convert My Sensations into Sounds": Understanding During-Sex Sexual Communication. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:169-183. [PMID: 36269285 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2134284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research generally supports the idea that sexual communication is beneficial to partners in committed relationships. However, much existing sexual communication research has a verbal communication bias and has examined sexual communication in non-sexual contexts, neglecting a wide variability of other forms of communication that occur during sex. Thus, from a sexual scripts theoretical framework, the purpose of the present study was to: (1) explore how individuals communicate needs, desires, pleasure, and displeasure to their partners during sex; (2) investigate perceptions of during-sex sexual communication's purposes; and (3) document individuals' perceived barriers and facilitators to during-sex sexual communication. Data from 27 interviews conducted among individuals in committed different-gender relationships (15 women, 11 men, 1 queer person; 21-68 years old), were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants reported communicating using a combination of verbal, vocal, and bodily forms of communication. Most participants indicated that communicating during sex increased sexual pleasure and emotional intimacy and was useful for clarifying doubts and reducing insecurities. Many individuals nonetheless reported avoiding verbal communication during sex to preserve the mood, protect a partner's feelings, and avoid experiencing negative emotions and a partner's judgment. Sexual communication was also described as a skill that is developed over time and through the development of sexual subjectivity. Implications for sexual script theory and future sexual communication research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa J Séguin
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec À Montréal
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2
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Péloquin K, Byers ES, Beaulieu N, Bergeron S, Brassard A. Sexual exchanges explain the association between attachment insecurities and sexual satisfaction in long-term couples. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2024; 41:23-45. [PMID: 39282239 PMCID: PMC11398990 DOI: 10.1177/02654075231209242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Sandra Byers
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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Mallory AB. Dimensions of couples' sexual communication, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2022; 36:358-371. [PMID: 34968095 PMCID: PMC9153093 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite consistent evidence that sexual communication positively correlates with relationship and sexual satisfaction, there has been empirical murkiness regarding which aspects of sexual communication matter more or less for relationship and sexual satisfaction. A systematic meta-analysis was conducted to investigate if the strength of the association between sexual communication and relationship and sexual satisfaction varied by dimensions of sexual communication and individual, interpersonal, and cultural factors. The meta-analysis included 93 studies with 209 unique effect sizes, which represented 38,499 unique individuals in a current relationship. The multilevel meta-analysis evidenced a positive association between sexual communication and both relationship (r = .37) and sexual satisfaction (r = .43). For relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction, the effect size for quality of sexual communication (r = .43; .52) was larger compared to the frequency of sexual communication (r = .31; .31) and sexual self-disclosure (r = .28; .39). After controlling for the average age and relationship length of the sample, samples with married participants (r = .49) had larger effect sizes compared to samples with mixed relationship statuses (r = .35). Higher levels of individualism (b = .003) strengthened, and higher levels of gender inequality (b = -.06) weakened, the association between sexual communication and sexual satisfaction. Finally, when sociosexuality was low, sexual communication had a large association with relationship satisfaction for men (r = .69) and a small association for women (r = .16). Measurement, sample characteristics, and cultural factors have an important role in understanding the link between partners' sexual communication and their relationship and sexual satisfaction. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Valdez CM, Leonhardt ND, Busby DM. Sexual Passion and Attachment: Sexual Passion Style as a Mediator between Attachment Insecurity and Sexual Satisfaction in Committed Relationships. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2021; 47:614-628. [PMID: 32875618 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Attachment insecurity is negatively linked to sexual satisfaction in committed relationships, but we have much to learn about the specific mechanisms underlying this connection. With a sample of 1,421 participants from Amazon's Mechanical Turk, we used structural equation modeling to explore whether sexual passion expression (harmonious, obsessive, inhibited) might mediate the association between insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant) and sexual satisfaction. Anxious attachment was linked to lower harmonious sexual passion, higher obsessive sexual passion, and higher inhibited sexual passion. Attachment avoidance was linked to lower harmonious sexual passion and higher inhibited sexual passion. Harmonious sexual passion was strongly linked to higher sexual satisfaction, and inhibited sexual passion was negatively linked to sexual satisfaction (for men). Sexual passion expression variables fully mediated the associations between attachment insecurity and sexual satisfaction. This study highlights that the expression of sexual passion may be important when considering the connection between attachment and sexual satisfaction.
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No strings attached? How attachment orientation relates to the varieties of casual sexual relationships. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Interest in partner orgasm: Sex differences and relationships with attachment strategies. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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McNeil J, Rehman US, Fallis E. The Influence of Attachment Styles on Sexual Communication Behavior. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2018; 55:191-201. [PMID: 28509583 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1318817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Attachment theory is one of the major theoretical frameworks for understanding romantic relationships. Attachment styles are formed through interactions with caregivers and shape an individual's expectations of subsequent interpersonal relationships. In this study, we examined how attachment styles influence participants' ability to communicate with their partners about problems in their sexual relationship. A community sample of 81 couples engaged in two video-recorded discussions, one representing an aspect of the couple's sexual relationship where the male partner wanted change and the second representing an aspect of the sexual relationship where the female partner wanted change. Conversations were then coded, with each person being rated on three positive communication dimensions (positive affect, offering solutions, and responsiveness) and three negative communication dimensions (hostility, negative affect, and unskilled communication behaviors). As predicted, attachment avoidance was related to more negative and less positive communication for both the individual and his or her partner. Our observational data did not reveal any significant effects of attachment anxiety on sexual communication. These results can be contrasted with findings from self-report studies that do suggest an anxious attachment adversely impacts sexual communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia McNeil
- a Department of Psychology , University of Waterloo
| | | | - Erin Fallis
- a Department of Psychology , University of Waterloo
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Vencill JA, Carlson S, Iantaffi A, Miner M. Mental health, relationships, and sex: exploring patterns among bisexual individuals in mixed orientation relationships. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2017.1419570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Vencill
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Samantha Carlson
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Michael Miner
- Program in Human Sexuality, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Individuals in pursuit of, or currently in, a romantic relationship typically communicate via technology, extending to sexting with one another. Sexting is commonly understood as the sending and receiving of sexually suggestive or sexually explicit photos, video, or text via cell phone or other technologies. The characteristics that fuel whether one engages in sexting are not well understood. In this study, 459 unmarried, heterosexual undergraduate students (female = 328; male = 131), aged 18 to 25 years, from three universities completed an online questionnaire about their behaviors with technology and romantic relationships. In general, low attachment avoidance and high fear of negative evaluation from the dating partner predicted sending a sexually suggestive photo or video, sending a photo or video in one's underwear or lingerie, and sending a sexually suggestive text. High fear of negative evaluation predicted sending a nude photo or video as well as sending a text message propositioning sex. Low attachment avoidance, greater fear of negative evaluation, and greater social distress when dating were associated with sexting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Drouin
- b Department of Psychology , Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
| | - Rakel Delevi
- c Department of Child and Family Studies , California State University , Los Angeles
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Cook SH, Watkins DC, Calebs B, Wilson PA. Attachment orientation and sexual risk behaviour among young Black gay and bisexual men. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2016; 7:177-196. [PMID: 27570578 DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2016.1168312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This mixed methods study used an explanatory sequential design to examine the relationship between attachment and sexual behavior among young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM). Cross sectional online surveys and sex diaries were completed by a sample of YBGBM in New York City (n = 153) to assess the association between adult attachment insecurity and sexual risk behavior. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised (ECR-R) was used to assess three types of adult attachment (i.e., secure, anxious, and avoidant). Participants reported condomless sex encounters, as well as serodiscordant condomless anal sex encounters, as measures of sexual risk. Quantitative findings suggested that there were few associations between attachment type and sexual risk behavior; only men with attachment avoidance were likely to engage in condomless sex. However, qualitative findings illuminated some of the social complexities of the association between attachment in childhood, attachment in young adulthood and intimate partnerships, which could be linked to young adult sexual risk behavior. The study findings highlight the need for researchers to further examine the process by which individual differences in attachment orientation are related to YBGBM's sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie H Cook
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Psychology, The College of Literature, Sciences & Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Daphne C Watkins
- School of Social Work and Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Benjamin Calebs
- Department of Psychology, The College of Literature, Sciences & Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Patrick A Wilson
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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