Title
Sexual communication in relationships: When words speak louder than actions
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2000
Abstract
Sexual communication for expressing sexual desires and gathering HIV risk information were examined as interpersonal constructs related to HIV risk reduction. Community women (n = 816) with at least one heterosexual HIV risk factor (79% Euro-American, 86% some college) completed surveys assessing assertive communication with a sexual partner, HIV risk, and demographic, sexual history, interpersonal negative, and cognitive/attitudinal constructs which formed a hierarchical predictor model. In relationship context comparisons, women with a known partner HIV risk responded more negatively on most measures. Multiple regressions suggested communication is part of an overall cognitive/attitudinal approach to HIV risk, although specific predictors differ by type of communication and partner risk level. Implications for interventions considering relational context, interpersonal power, and counteracting silence are discussed.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Sex Roles
Volume
42
Issue
7-8
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Quina, Kathryn, Lisa L. Harlow, Patricia J. Morokoff, Gary Burkholder, and Pamela J. Deiter. "Sexual communication in relationships: When words speak louder than actions." Sex Roles 42, 7-8 (2000): 523-549. doi: 10.1023/A:1007043205155.