A Mixed Methods Study of Sexual Communication in Various Couple Typologies Part I: Cluster Analysis.

This study presents the first part of a mixed-methods exploration of couple sexual communication. Typologies of heterosexual couples in committed, sexual relationships were created for further exploration of group differences in sexual communication. A cluster analysis categorized couples into four different couple typologies: mutually satisfied, satisfied men/dissatisfied women, satisfied women/dissatisfied men, and mutually dissatisfied. Using a MANOVA approach, the couple typologies were used to identify differences in how the couple types communicated about sex. The results revealed significant differences among the differing couple types, which will be explored qualitatively in part two of this analysis.

A Mixed Methods Study of Sexual Communication in Various Couple Typologies Part II: Qualitative Content Analysis.

This study presents the second part of a mixed methods exploration of couple sexual communication. The purpose of this study was to better understand the sexual communication processes that characterize various couple typologies. A qualitative content analysis was used to examine the responses of couples who were grouped together according to the typologies developed from the cluster analysis conducted in Part I of this study (Jones & Lucero Jones, 2022). The results revealed 3 primary themes regarding sexual communication: sexual communication behaviors, sexual decision-making processes, and sexual communication outcomes. Most importantly, the 15 subthemes revealed the inner workings of sexual communication in couples of varying typologies. Clinicians may use the findings from this study to recognize communication patterns in couples that may be contributing to sexual dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the study highlights critical sexual communication behaviors and patterns for improvement and connection in the sexual relationship.