Communication about Sex in Relationships

The question to be addressed in this report focuses on the degree to which and the manner in which communication about sex and sexuality occurs in long-term and short-term relationships. Communication on such a topic falls within the realm of interpersonal communication, which is generally characterized as a sharing of positive and negative experiences and as the extension of the self within a personal relationship (Barker & Barker, 1993). It is important to note in any discussion about communication and sex in human relationships, that dramatic changes in the expression of sexuality occurred during the twentieth century.

Over this time period, as Baron and Byrne (2000) suggest, sexual interactions became a common and widely accepted component of even very brief and transitory romantic relationships in most of the United States. Consequently, the so-called sexual revolution has led to a generalized expansion of interpersonal communication regarding a wide variety of maters related to sexuality, including discussions of sexual preferences and practices, concerns regarding birth control and "safe sex," and so forth (Baron & Byrne, 2000).

Byers and Demmons (1999) examined dating individuals' self-disclosure about their sexual likes and dislikes to their partners using a sample of 47 college men and 52 college women in dating relationships ranging from 3 to 36 months. These researchers used a questionnaire measuring sexual e

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part, as the level of involvement increases in longer-term dating relationships, male and female partners alike tend to be more aware of nonverbal communication cues and more likely to use such cues to reinforce verbal communication (McGinty, Knox, & Zusman, 2003). Baron and Byrne (2000) stated that along a dispositional dimension known as sociosexuality, some people express an unrestricted sociosexual orientation in which purely sexual interactions are sought without the necessity of closeness, commitment, or emotional bonding. Others, in contrast, reveal a restricted sociosexual orientation in which a sexual relationship is regarded as acceptable only when accompanied by affection and tenderness. Among males and females with an unrestricted sociosexual orientation, communication about sex may be focused on such matters as safe sex practices, sexual activity preferences, and sexual needs and desires. Among individuals with a restricted sociosexual orientation, sexuality is often linked with romantic attachment and commitment, leading to communication which emphasizes the intimate aspects of sexuality and of love. There are gender differences in sociosexuality and other aspects of sexuality. Buss and Schmitt (1993) examine

Category: Psychology - C