The Importance of Sexual Self-Disclosure to Sexual Satisfaction and Functioning in Committed Relationships

Abstract

Introduction Past research indicates that sexual self-disclosure, or the degree to which an individual is open with his or her partner about sexual preferences, is a key aspect of sexual satisfaction and that partner's lack of knowledge about one's sexual preferences is associated with persistent sexual dysfunction. Aims To replicate and extend past research by examining (i) how one's own levels of sexual self-disclosure are related to one's own sexual health (after controlling for partner's levels of sexual self-disclosure); (ii) how one's partner's levels of sexual self-disclosure are associated with one's own sexual health (after controlling for one's own levels of sexual self-disclosure); and (iii) whether gender moderates the associations between sexual self-disclosure and sexual health. Main Outcome Measures Scores from the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and the Sexual Communication Satisfaction Scale. Methods A cross-sectional dyadic study using a convenience sample of 91 heterosexual couples in long-term committed relationships. Data were analyzed using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. Results One's own level of sexual self-disclosure is positively associated with one's own sexual satisfaction, β = −0.24, t(172.85) = −3.50, P < 0.001. Furthermore, partner's level of sexual self-disclosure is associated with men's sexual satisfaction but not with women's sexual satisfaction, β = −0.45, t(86.81) = −4.06, P < 0.001 and β = 0.02, t(87.00) = 0.20, ns, respectively. The association between own self-disclosure and sexual problems is stronger for women as compared with men, β = −0.72, t(87.00) = −6.31, P < 0.001 and β = −0.24, t(86.27) = −3.04, P < 0.01, respectively. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that sexual self-disclosure is significantly associated with sexual satisfaction and functioning for both men and women, albeit in different ways. Our findings underscore the importance of sexual self-disclosure and highlight the importance of the interpersonal level of analysis in understanding human sexuality.

The Role of Sexual Communication in Couples’ Sexual Outcomes: A Dyadic Path Analysis

“…There is a burgeoning body of research showing that more disclosure to one's partner about sexual preferences and desires (which is conceptualized in this study as “sexual communication content”) is positively correlated with sexual satisfaction and relationship quality (e.g., Byers & Demmons, ; MacNeil & Byers, ; Mark & Jozkowski, ; Montesi, Fauber, Gordon, & Heimberg, ; Rehman et al., ). Conversely, those that are less satisfied sexually and relationally are often more avoidant or indirect in their approach to communication (Montesi et al., ; Theiss, ).…”

Intimacy, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress in vulvodynia couples: An observational study.

“…Observed empathic response was examined in the listener only. The development of the observed disclosure measure was complex considering that far less attention has been given to the development of an observational measure of disclosure in comparison to an observational measure of empathic response and to self-reported measures of disclosure (Cano et al, 2010;Rehman, et al, 2011).…”

Culture and Sexual Self-Disclosure in Intimate Relationships

“…Researchers have demonstrated that sexual self-disclosure between intimate partners, in committed or long-term relationships, is associated with sexual satisfaction (Byers & Demmons, 2010;MacNeil & Byers, 1997, 2009Rehman et al, 2011). Cupach and Metts (1991) suggested that disclosing one's sexual likes and dislikes can serve as a tool for informing one's partner of one's preferences, and thereby enable one to obtain more of what one wants (and less of what one does not want) from one's partner, thus increasing sexual satisfaction.…”