INTERPERSONAL-COMMUNICATION AND SEXUAL ADJUSTMENT - THE ROLES OF UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT

The influence of interpersonal communication on sexual adjustment in c ohabiting heterosexual couples was investigated. Male and female partn ers from 76 heterosexual couples independently completed measures of t heir own and their partners' sexual preferences, as well as measures o f sexual and general relationship adjustment, sexual difficulties, mar ital role preferences, depression, and social desirability. Results in dicated that sexual satisfaction in both partners was associated with men's understanding of their partner's preferences and agreement betwe en their preferences. The influential role of men's understanding was supported by hierarchical regression, convergent and discriminant evid ence, and multiple regression models that accounted for 51% and 63% of variance in men's and women's sexual satisfaction. General relationsh ip adjustment of both partners was associated with women's understandi ng of men's marital role preferences. An explanation of understanding' s function is proposed, accounting for gender differences within and a cross sexual and general realms of relating.