'It Hurts Me to Imagine': An Analysis of the Reasons Romantic Partners Avoid Discussing Past Sexual Experiences

• In Event: Should I Share This With You or Not? Disclosure and Avoidance Decisions, Strategies, and Responses

Abstract

Individuals in romantic relationships often avoid discussing past sexual experiences. The focus of this study was to examine the reasons that individuals in romantic relationships give for avoiding the topic of past sexual experiences. 52 couples completed a questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions. Results indicated that “length of relationship,” “number of past romantic relationships,” and “number of partner’s past romantic relationships” did not significantly correlate to topic avoidance. Implications for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Mike Anderson, University of Kansas

• Adrianne Kunkel, University of Kansas