Associations between attempts at physical intimacy and relational outcomes among cohabiting and married couples

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2926515
AutoresChelom E Leavitt (0000-0002-0740-5508, Pennsylvania State University, autor de correspondencia), Brian J Willoughby (0000-0002-3844-661X, Brigham Young University)
Año2015
Volumen32
Número2
Páginas241-262
Fecha de publicación2015-03-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0265407514529067
OpenAlexW2120166895
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas17
Referencias citadas52

Attempting to initiate physical intimacy with a partner has traditionally been explored through the lens of sexual pressure and coercion and linked to negative couple outcomes. The present study utilized a sample of 397 male/female couples in committed relationships (married and cohabiting) to explore more generally how attempts at sexual intimacy were associated with varying relational outcomes. Results suggested that unlike previously established associations with sexual coercion, more generalized attempts at physical intimacy were associated with better relationship outcomes, including more relationship satisfaction, better couple communication, and less couple conflict. Gender moderated the results in that men's attempts at intimacy were particularly associated with positive relational outcomes. The implications of considering attempts for physical intimacy as a positive aspect of couple sexuality are discussed

Coercion (linguistics · Cohabitation · Developmental psychology · Human sexuality · Poison control · Sexual coercion · Sexual relationship · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Gender Studies · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Psychology · Sexual function and dysfunction studies · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology