The Roles of Social Anxiety and Sexual Communication in Marriage Relationships

Authors

  • Matthew Ogan John Brown University
  • Melissa Hall John Brown University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.vi.508

Keywords:

social anxiety, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication, fear of intimacy, marriage

Abstract

Past research shows strong connections between sexual satisfaction, sexual communication, and relationship satisfaction in romantic couples. However, social anxiety tends to inhibit communication and self-disclosure about sensitive topics, including sex. In this research, I aimed to determine the role social anxiety plays in sexual satisfaction, sexual communication, and relationship satisfaction in married couples. I hypothesized that social anxiety would not have strong impacts on sexual satisfaction, sexual communication, and relationship satisfaction

in married couples because of the familiarity that comes along with marriage. 16 heterosexual couples, or 32 individuals, completed a five-section survey to measure each individual’s sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication satisfaction, fear of intimacy, and social anxiety. Results showed significant moderate correlations between social anxiety and every other variable: sexual satisfaction, r(30) = -.44, p= .01; relationship satisfaction, r(30) = -.43, p= .01; sexual communication, r(30) = -.47, p< .01; and fear of intimacy, r(30) = .55, p< .01. Socially anxious individuals also reported significantly decreased sexual satisfaction compared to non-anxious individuals. Implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords:social anxiety, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication, fear of intimacy, marriage

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Author Biographies

Matthew Ogan, John Brown University

B.S. Family and Human Services, John Brown University

Melissa Hall, John Brown University

Department Head, Family and Human Services
Associate Professor of Family and Human Services

Published

06-21-2018

How to Cite

Ogan, M., & Hall, M. (2018). The Roles of Social Anxiety and Sexual Communication in Marriage Relationships. Journal of Student Research. https://doi.org/10.47611/jsr.vi.508