Sexual communication in romantic relationships: An investigation into the disclosure of sexual fantasies

Abstract

This study explored the communication of sexual fantasies in romantic relationships. While self-disclosure of sexual likes and dislikes has been positively associated with sexual satisfaction (Cupach & Metts, 1991), no study has specifically examined the private disclosure of sexual fantasies. Guided by communication privacy management theory (Petronio, 2002), this research investigated the rewards and costs associated with disclosing sexual fantasies to one's romantic partner. Moreover, the research examined the relationship between the willingness to discuss sexual fantasies and sexual satisfaction, along with how the content of the sexual fantasy might influence the decision to disclose. An online questionnaire featuring open- and closed-ended questions was used to measure participants' willingness to discuss sexual fantasies, rewards associated with this discussion, motivations for avoiding this topic, sexual satisfaction, and relational satisfaction. Participants (N = 370) were also asked to write down their favorite or most recurring sexual fantasy. The results of this study indicated that those individuals who have acted out their sexual fantasies, and/or those that are more willing to discuss their sexual fantasies, have higher sexual satisfaction. Results also indicated the content of one's sexual fantasy does have an influence on whether one discloses or acts out a fantasy. A variety of rewards and costs were also found to be associated with disclosing sexual fantasies to one's romantic partner. Results from this study have important implications for both researchers and romantic couples.