SEX
Let’s face it. It’s hard to have conversations about sexuality in the United States because there is evidence that it increases shame and discomfort regarding topics of sexual nature. The fundamental absence of positive role models in the media may be a contributing factor alongside the many negative influences we receive through communication about sexuality.
Vocabulary differences also account for a substantial gap in understanding gender-based individual differences. It seems research supports the notion that conversations concerning sexuality increase anxiety.
Given these obstacles, relationship satisfaction is higher when open and free-flowing communication is a fundamental relationship component. The individual difference concerning the perception of satisfaction in a relationship is correlated with the effectiveness of communication within their relationships. Relationships lacking basic open communication styles seem to have lower relationship satisfaction (Montesi, et al. 2011). Furthermore, discussing sex is one of the least discussed and most difficult topics to discuss in observational studies of couples (e.g., Rehman et al., 2011).
For this reason, researchers and practitioners generally agree that sexual communication can be a positive force in romantic relationships (MacNeil & Byers, 2005, 2009; Mark & Jozkowski, 2013).
So what now?
As educators and leaders, we should work to enable our society to embrace open communication about sexual topics within interpersonal relationships. As education facilitators, we can accomplish this by introducing issues connected to sexuality topics in our health curriculums.
We can use teachable moments to inspire discussions about sexuality from a common starting point. We can establish vocabularies, understand tolerance, learn communication styles and create patterns that reinforce positive image, overall health, and long-term relationship satisfaction.
Consider using teachable moments to:
- Understand issues in loving relationships
- Understand worth and value
- Learn how to listen and provide feedback actively
- Learn how to discover your partner’s needs
- Discover approaches to expressing and receiving compliments
- Learn how to make requests that are of a sexual nature
- Teach the Power of No
Each of these strategies could prove helpful in creating change within our culture related to topics of human sexuality.