epublishing store: Intro

Sexual Health eBook Volume1
Chapter 6

Facilitating Positive Sexual Communication, Linda De Villers

From the person on the street to the licensed professional, everyone acknowledges that good communication is a core feature of a thriving, dynamic, and ongoing relationship. Communication can be defined as the sending and receiving of symbolic messages via a channel (verbal, vocal, or nonverbal) that results in an exchange of meaning. Classic models of communication include five components that highlight the interactional nature of communication as well as the stumbling blocks. This will be described in the chapter.

For the overwhelming majority of couples, a healthy sex life is an important part of their relationship. Although empathic, effective communication skills maintain the mutual respect, support, and friendship that form the bedrock of a relationship, being able to use those skills to communicate about sexuality is a vital key to establishing and maintaining a rich and satisfying sex life. For a variety of reasons, many who are able to communicate effectively and comfortably about a variety of other topics are unable to extend that ability when the topic is sexuality. This chapter begins with a careful look at the basic factors and influences that affect all forms of communication, including sexual. It then addresses the common communication barriers that arise when couples in ongoing relationships or individuals in the process of establishing a relationship attempt to broach sexual matters. It also offers strategies for overcoming these barriers, with an emphasis on developing clear, honest, and positive sexual communication that is based on mutual empathy. Next, the chapter shifts gears to offer a series of practical “LoveTalk” exercises drawn from the chapter author’s book, Love Skills; the chapter ends with highlights of major university research on communication and conflict resolution and its applicability to sexual communication.

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