Abstract
Although we know partner communication is important for safer sex behavior, we still have much to learn regarding how adolescents manage their sexual communication during initial sexual experiences. To explore these phenomena, researchers conducted 33 in-depth semi-structured interviews of young women retrospectively reflecting on their perception of communication during their first sexual intercourse. Using the framework of Politeness Theory, an inductive interpretive approach identified young women's retrospective framing of their social and sexual identities. As such, the following three concerns were identified: (1) lack of experience, (2) pressure, and (3) relational concerns. Furthermore, the manuscript describes common facework strategies women deploy to resolve relational concerns of social and power distance. This study indicates adolescents need refined sexual communication skills that focus on both refusal and delay strategies.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Communication
Volume
48
Issue
2
First Page
145
Last Page
155
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Parker, Kimberly A.; Ivanov, Bobi; and Cohen, Elisia L.
(2016)
"When Politeness is Risky: Positive Politeness and Sexual Debut,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 48:
No.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol48/iss2/6
Copyright
©2016 Iowa Communication Association
