Chapter 13: Sexual Communication Flashcards
What is communication in intimate relationships?
Communication in intimate relationships refers to ongoing verbal, behavioral, and emotional (affective) changes, which can occur face-to-face or via technology. This includes non-verbal cues like a smile, raised eyebrow, kiss, or even emojis.
Relationship communication
Relationship communication is an ongoing exchange between partners that unfolds over time, involving verbal, behavioral, and affective exchanges. It addresses issues relevant to the relationship’s functioning and occurs within an established relationship context.
What are common patterns of communication in distressed versus nondistressed relationships?
People in distressed relationships tend to engage in more negative behaviors and fewer positive behaviors than those in nondistressed relationships. For example, they are less likely to show empathy when their partner is upset.
What are John Gottman’s Four Negative Communication Behaviors that predict declines in relationship satisfaction?
Criticism: Attacks a partner’s character or personality instead of addressing specific issues. (e.g., calling someone “annoying”)
Contempt: Shows disrespect or hostility, putting down the partner. (e.g., rolling eyes at dirty talk)
Defensiveness: Protects oneself by denying responsibility, making excuses, or counter-complaining.
Stonewalling: Refuses to engage in the discussion. (e.g., pretending not to hear during a conversation)
What effect does perceived partner responsiveness have on relationships?
A partner’s responsiveness to communication efforts is linked to greater relationship and sexual well-being.
Perceived Partner Responsiveness—is often more important for sexual well-being than the partner’s actual level of responsiveness.
In more traditional countries (italy, germany) __ were more likely to sext compared to __
boys, girls
In less traditional countries (Finland, Norway) there were no gender/sex differences in sexting (t/f)
true
How does the importance of open sexual communication differ between men and women in heterosexual relationships?
In heterosexual relationships, open sexual communication is more important for men’s relationship satisfaction in the early stages. For women, open sexual communication becomes more important for relationship satisfaction as the relationship progresses beyond the early stages.
Definition of Hyperpersonalization Effect
Refers to accelerated or amplified intimacy in online communication compared to in-person interactions alone
mutualistic talk
“Other focused” sexual talk that relates to sharing the sexual experience with ones partner
Exclamations of pleasure “yes”
Giving your partner positive feedback/compliments
Instructional statements
Associated with lower sexual distress
Individualistic Talk
“Self Focused” sexual talk that relates one’s own sexual experience and pleasure
Sexually dominant statements
Sexually submissive statements
Sexual ownerships
Sexual fantasies
Associated with greater sexual satisfaction
When partners were unresponsive, mutalistic talk was associated with sexual distress and individualistic talk was linked to poorer sexual satisfaction
Positive Sexual Rejection Behaviours (help maintain satisfaction)
Reassure your partner that you are attracted to them
Reassure your partner that you love them
Offer alternative forms of physical contact
Offer to make it up in the future
Try to talk with your partner instead
Negative Sexual Rejection Behaviours
Display frustration toward your partner or move away from them
Be short or curt with your partner
Criticize aspects of your relationship
Criticize the way your partner tried to initiate sex
Give your partner the silent treatment
____ is frequently cited as one of the most distressing negative events ever experienced when adults look back over their lives
end of important romantic relationship
Face-to-face breakups are mostly likely to occur when the level of intimacy between partners is ______,
high
