Disclosing Sexual Dysfunction in Newly Established Romantic Relationships: An Experimental Test of Five Strategies from the Revelation Risk Model.

Abstract

Guided by the revelation risk model, we conducted an online experiment (N = 400) to assess five strategies (i.e. initiate, response, third-person disclosure, humor, evidence) used to hypothetically disclose two types of sexual dysfunction (SD) - vulvovaginal pain (VVP) and erectile dysfunction (ED) - in romantic relationships of six months or less. Results indicated that relationship investment varied depending on the SD disclosed, such that participants who imagined that their partner disclosed ED were less invested than those who imagined that their partner disclosed VVP. Results also indicated that intention to continue the relationship varied depending on the SD disclosed and strategy used, such that participants who imagined that their partner disclosed VVP were most likely to intend to continue their relationship when their partner responded to a reference to their SD, whereas participants who imagined that their partner disclosed ED were most likely to intend to continue their relationship when their partner left behind evidence of their SD. Theoretical and practical insights that advance our understanding of disclosing SD in newly established romantic relationships and disclosure theorizing are offered.