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Extending Sex as an Intergroup Arena: Testing the Mediating Role and Management of Identity Gaps in Sexual Communication on Relational, Sexual, and Health Outcomes in “Non-Normative” Relationships

Rubinsky, Valerie

Abstract Details

2019, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Communication Studies (Communication).
Despite sociocultural shifts in sexual politics and perceptions of normativity at the larger cultural levels (Parker, 2010), intergroup communication and interpersonal communication both characterize sexual communication. Intimate interactions are not immune from group-based practices and categorization that filter and influence partnered communication. To address these concerns, this dissertation involved a survey of 689 individuals in intimate relationships for at least three months who believed their relationship was less common or less accepted than other kinds of relationships (i.e., non- normative). Framed through the Communication Theory of Identity (Hecht, 1993), the present study tested the mediating role and management of identity gaps in sexual communication as a vehicle through which to examine the roles of social and personal identity in intimate partner communication. Findings supported the mediating role of identity gaps between communication input variables and satisfaction. In addition, the present study produced a typology of identity gaps in sexual partner communication and describes strategies individuals employ to manage the adverse state of identity gaps in their partner communication. Findings offer support for the contention that sexual partner communication constitutes an intergroup theoretical arena. Practical and scholarly recommendations for future research into this area are outlined. Approaching sexual communication as an intergroup arena has the potential to generate more informative research, grow interpersonal and intergroup communication theories, and provide useful insights to practitioners working with sexual activity, sexual identity, and sexual health.
Angela Hosek (Advisor)
Stephanie Tikkanen (Committee Member)
Charee Thompson (Committee Member)
Gregory Janson (Committee Member)
317 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rubinsky, V. (2019). Extending Sex as an Intergroup Arena: Testing the Mediating Role and Management of Identity Gaps in Sexual Communication on Relational, Sexual, and Health Outcomes in “Non-Normative” Relationships [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155559131230807

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rubinsky, Valerie. Extending Sex as an Intergroup Arena: Testing the Mediating Role and Management of Identity Gaps in Sexual Communication on Relational, Sexual, and Health Outcomes in “Non-Normative” Relationships. 2019. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155559131230807.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rubinsky, Valerie. "Extending Sex as an Intergroup Arena: Testing the Mediating Role and Management of Identity Gaps in Sexual Communication on Relational, Sexual, and Health Outcomes in “Non-Normative” Relationships." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou155559131230807

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)