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Positive Relationship Outcomes in the Context of Painful Sexual Activity: Individual, Partner, and Relationship Factors
Clark, Hannah Dysart
Clark, Hannah Dysart
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Abstract
Recurrent pain during sexual activity is a relatively common experience over the lifespan that can pose significant challenges to maintaining satisfying romantic relationships. Researchers have suggested that there are several factors that can influence relationship outcomes in the context of recurrent pain during sexual activity, including motivations for sexual activity, sexual communication, sexual script flexibility and partner response styles. Given the mixed body of research evidence related to partner responses to pain in sexual contexts, and the wide variety of proposed factors that may influence relationship outcomes in the context of recurrent pain during sexual activity, the current study was aimed to further examine these areas from a qualitative perspective. The purpose of the present study was to 1) explore the individual, partner, and relationship factors associated with positive relationship outcomes, 2) compare these findings to other models of partner response styles to painful sexual activity, and 3) describe the range of positive relationship outcomes reported by participants. Using data collected from a previous study of recurrent pain during sexual activity, participants were selected for the current study who were in mixed-gender relationships, endorsed pain during sexual activity in a current or past relationship, and endorsed pain with penile-vaginal sexual activity 75-100% of the time (n = 183). Participants’ responses were then coded to identify a subsample of participants who reported positive relationship outcomes (n = 44). Using thematic analysis, the present study found that individuals who were coded as having positive relationship outcomes reported a variety of individual, partner, and relationship factors that may have helped mitigate the negative impact of painful sex on their relationships. Individual factors associated with positive relationship outcomes included participants having a clear desire for sexual activity, using effective communication, and using appropriate boundaries to mitigate pain. Partner factors associated with positive relationship outcomes included partners engaging in perspective taking, taking a patient and gentle approach to sexual activity, and being attentive and responsive to participants’ pain concerns, either to help them engage in mutually desired sexual activity or process and regulate negative emotional responses. Relationship factors associated with positive relationship outcomes included having a flexible, expansive repertoire of sexual activity, having a collaborative dynamic, and having a secure context within the relationship. When comparing the present study’s results to other models of partner responses to painful sexual activity, participants’ descriptions of supportive partner behaviors were similar to those defined in Reis’s model of perceived partner responsiveness, such as demonstrating understanding, validation, and care (2017). Additionally, this study found examples of partner responses that contradicted Rosen et al.’s model of facilitative and solicitous partner responses (2012). Specifically, some behaviors defined as facilitative partner responses by Rosen et al. were perceived by participants as not supportive and did not promote their adaptive coping with pain. This study also found that some behaviors defined as solicitous partner behaviors were perceived by participants as supportive and promoted some forms adaptive coping with pain. Participants also described a wide range of positive outcomes for their relationships, providing a nuanced, diverse perspective of what individuals who experience painful sex value with regard to their relationships.
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Date
2025-01-01
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University of Kansas
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This item contains archived web content.
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Clark_ku_0099D_20175.pdf
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- Embargoed until 2176-05-31
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Keywords
Clinical psychology, Sexuality, pain, relationship, sex