Contemporary Review Of Scientific Research On Variables Related To Positive, Healthy Sexual Communication Among Singles And Couples, With Practical Applications

Direct and positive sexual communication heightens pleasure for sexual partners and contributes to their sexual health. This paper presents a comprehensive, contemporary review of scientific research on sexual communication as well as broader aspects of communication in relationships. The review includes research on verbal, vocal and non-verbal communication, and demonstrates the need to avoid over-generalized conclusions about the relative importance of each. Instead, it clarifies the specific circumstances under which one takes precedence over another. For singles seeking a relationship, the paper presents findings on the role of flirtation, the timing of self-disclosure, negotiating safer sex and appropriate birth control, and how cultural, gender and educational factors affect communication styles and preferences. For those in established sexual relationships, the paper highlights the various psychosocial and cultural barriers to, and numerous benefits of, candid sexual communication. The practical applications segment draws from the author’s book, Love Skills (2006). Specific guidelines for effective sexual communication in a “vertical,” non-sexual context are provided, along with practical exercises that may be used to overcome sexual difficulties and misunderstandings or for sexual enrichment. Similarly, various forms of “horizontal” sexual communication that can be used during partnered sexual activity to significantly enrich the quality of sexual experience are articulated, along with practical suggestions for overcoming barriers to their use. The paper concludes with a synopsis of strategies suggested by several major university research projects for effectively resolving non-sexual relationship difficulties; they can also be useful for resolving sexual differences or difficulties.


Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007