Questioning conceptualizations of openness in family sex communication: Exploring associations between family communication patterns and family sex communication quotient

ABSTRACT

Family communication patterns theory (FCPT) and family sex communication research herald openness. However, scholars have begun to question whether openness operates differently when considering the difficult nature of sex talk in families. Therefore, regression analyses were conducted to better ascertain the role of openness amongst young adults’ reports of family communication patterns and reports of family sex talk from the Family Sex Communication Quotient (FSCQ). Analysis revealed conformity orientation to be a greater predictor of family sex talk via the FSCQ, negatively predicting young adults’ reports of the comfort and information dimensions, which conceptually measure openness. However, conversation orientation did not significantly predict either dimension associated with openness, instead negatively predicting the value dimension of the FSCQ, which measures the perceived importance of the family to discuss sex and related topics. No significant interaction effects of family communication patterns were found, yet gender did appear as a constraining factor on the meaning of openness measured. Results signify that openness is operationalized within family sex communication differentially from FCPT, particularly conversation orientation. Implications and directions for future research on family sex communication conclude the paper.

KEYWORDS:

• Family communication patterns theory (FCPT)
• sex communication
• openness
• difficult family conversations
• gender

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the University of Oklahoma [Graduate Student Senate Funding Award].

Notes on contributors

Brittney S. Morrissey

Brittney S. Morrissey (MA, University of Oklahoma) is a doctoral candidate at the University of Oklahoma. She studies how difference matters, is communicatively reproduced, and affects relating within health and family contexts, especially as it relates to gender, disability, neurominority communities, and chronic illness.

Julie Sisler

Julie J. Sisler (M.A., Western Kentucky University) is a Ph.D. student at the University of Oklahoma. Her line of study explores interpersonal communication patterns and social norms relating to taboo topics. Her current primary interests are in sexual communication, particularly in regards to sexual consent and societal views of sexual assault, specifically with the aim of improving sexual education to promote positive self-image and healthy relationships.

Anthony T. Machette

Anthony T. Machette’s (Ph.D., University of Oklahoma) research examines how individual and cultural differences affect communicative behaviors within interpersonal relationships.