Module 6: Communication and Sexuality

Question 1

what is the single most significant and recurrent problem in relationships

Answer 1

inability of a couple to communicate effectively

Question 2

what does most marital counseling involve

Answer 2

an effort to bring about effective communication

Question 3

define communication

Answer 3

• the exchange of messages between two or more people
• includes content and process

Question 4

define content

Answer 4

• what you are actually trying to communicate
• the message

Question 5

define process

Answer 5

• how you communicate the content
• face-to-face, electronically, etc.

Question 6

which aspect of communication typically causes problems

Answer 6

the process

Question 7

list characteristics of how men generally communicate

Answer 7

• focus on power/rank/status
• talk to give information or report
• talk about things (classes, business, food)
• focus on facts, reason, and logic
• thrive on competing and achieving
• are more assertive
• posture is more relaxed
• touching is associated with sexual interest
• take up more space physically

Question 8

list characteristics of how women generally communicate

Answer 8

• focus on relationships
• talk to collect information or gain rapport
• talk about people/relationships
• focus on feelings, senses, and meaning
• thrive on harmony and relating
• are more cooperative
• use more facial expression, eye contact, and body proximity
• take up less space physically

Question 9

what does female self-perception often come from

Answer 9

their relationships

Question 10

when is the best time to discuss important or difficult issues

Answer 10

• alone together
• in private
• no distractions
• have ample time to talk
• rested and sober

Question 11

define congruent messages

Answer 11

• what you’re saying matches how you are saying it
• verbal and nonverbal communication matches

Question 12

define verbal messages

Answer 12

• what you are saying
• can be oral or text

Question 13

define nonverbal messages

Answer 13

• everything other than verbal messages
• body language, posture, facial expressions

Question 14

what do people pay more attention to: verbal or nonverbal messages

Answer 14

nonverbal messages

Question 15

define open-ended questions

Answer 15

• broad questions designed to elicit a great deal of information
• recommended for effective communication

Question 16

define closed-ended questions

Answer 16

• type of questions that yields little information and can be answered in one word
• not recommended for effective communication

Question 17

define reflective listening

Answer 17

• one person restates the meaning of what their partner has said in a conversation
• keeps you from withdrawing from the conversation and being defensive

Question 18

define “I” statements

Answer 18

statements that focus on the feelings and thoughts of the communicator without making a judgement on what the other person says or does

Question 19

define “you” statements

Answer 19

blame or criticize the listener and often result in increasing negative feelings and behavior in the relationship

Question 20

what is the template for “I” statements

Answer 20

• I feel…
• when you…
• because…
• I need…

Question 21

list the steps to resolving conflict in relationships

Answer 21

• approach communication from a place of respect and negotiation
• address recurring issues
• focus on what you want (rather than what you don’t want)
• find out your partner’s point of view
• generate win-win solutions to the conflict
• evaluate and select a solution

Question 22

list reasons why sexual relationships are difficult

Answer 22

• we learn not to communicate about sex
• we have very few “sexual relationship” role models
• we have anxieties about exposing ourselves/being vulnerable
• we don’t know how complex sexual relationships are
• we make mistakes