A communicative interdependence perspective of sexual communication and technology in bondage, domination, and sadomasochist relationships. Issue 4 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rubinsky, Valerie
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 68:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 396
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Communicative interdependence perspective -- BDSM -- sexual communication -- sexting -- multimodality; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2020.1804958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As lives become more multimodal, relationships must communicate across varied modes of communication. Sex is a uniquely important topic for couples. For bondage, domination, and sadomasochist (BDSM) relationships, in which the negotiation process may be more mandatory and more challenging, technology presents an important place for mitigating the face-threatening nature of these conversations. Applying the Communication Interdependence Perspective, the present study investigates the management of multimodal communication in BDSM sexual relationships, finding that interdependence variables contribute to understanding relational closeness and relational satisfaction. Mode segmentation to TMC acted as a moderator, suggesting that low amounts of affectionate exchanges and high levels of mode segmentation to TMC may be especially dissatisfying for people in BDSM relationships.