Having sex is not a comfortable conversation

Smith, C. R., Brammer, S. E., Joshua Cloudy, & Bennett-Brown, M. (In press). “Having sex is not a comfortable conversation”: A report on the application of sexual scripts theory to negative communication during sexual activity in young adults. Journal of Health Communication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2025.2575287  Abstract: This study explores young adults’ open-ended survey responses (n = 44) about negative sexual communication experiences and their perceptions of what went wrong during those encounters. Participant responses are situated in literature on sexual script theory to recognize the societal expectations that may impact individuals’ approaches to sexual encounters while creating room for initial findings regarding the nature of negative sexual communication experiences. A thematic analysis was performed and three themes were constructed: salient (scripted) sexual expectations; a lack of communication during sex; and outcomes and expressions of dissatisfaction. Findings indicate that gendered scripts about sex may facilitate negative communication experiences during sex, including poor perceptions of satisfaction, safety, and consent.