Abstract
The present study presents a typology of identity gaps (Hecht, 1993), or cognitive, affective, and behavioral discrepancies between and among different parts of the self, that emerge in sexual partner communication. A total of 504 individuals in relationships they identified as or others ascribed as less common or less accepted than other kinds of relationships, including LGBQ, transgender and non-binary, BDSM, polyamorous, and interracial relationships, described instances in which parts of the self were in tension amid their intimate partner communication. These identity gaps occurred in tension with personal identity, or sense of self, or communal identity as a member of particular sexual and gender minority groups. Implications and areas for future research are discussed.
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Notes
Not every participant provided demographic information, or provided complete demographic information. If race, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation is absent, it is because the attributed participant did not provide those responses.
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This research was supported by the author’s internal funding from Ohio University’s Research and Creative Incentive Pool. It was a component of the author’s dissertation.
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Rubinsky, V. Toward A Typology of Identity Gaps in “Non-Normative” Sexual Partner Communication. Arch Sex Behav 50, 1551–1567 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01870-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01870-0