Article
Verbal Communication about Sex in Marriage: Patterns of Language Use and Its Connection with Relational Outcomes
The Journal of Sex Research
(2012)
Abstract
This study examined the vocabulary husbands and wives use for talking to each other about sex, and connections between language use and relational qualities. Married people (n = 293) responded to a questionnaire about their use of common sex-related terms and about several characteristics of their marriage: sexual communication satisfaction, relational satisfaction, and relational closeness. Cluster analysis based on reported use revealed that sexual terms fell into clusters characterized as clinical terms, slang, or standard English. Results showed an association between use of sexual terms, particularly slang terms, and both satisfaction and closeness. This connection was stronger for women than for men. The findings offer insight into sexual talk and marital relationships.
Publication Date
Fall October 22, 2012
DOI
10.1080/00224499.2011.619282
Publisher Statement
This article is published as Hess, J. A., & Coffelt, T. A. (2012). Verbal communication about sex in marriage: Patterns of language use and the connection with marital quality. Journal of Sex Research, 49, 603-612. doi:10.1080/00224499.2011.619282. Published with permission.
Citation Information
Tina A. Coffelt and Jon A. Hess. "Verbal Communication about Sex in Marriage: Patterns of Language Use and Its Connection with Relational Outcomes" The Journal of Sex Research Vol. 49 (2012) p. 603 - 612 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tina-coffelt/5/