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The Protective Role of Couple Communication in Moderating Negative Associations Between Financial Stress and Sexual Outcomes for Newlyweds

Author

Listed:
  • Jocelyn S. Wikle

    (Brigham Young University)

  • Chelom E. Leavitt

    (Brigham Young University)

  • Jeremy B. Yorgason

    (Brigham Young University)

  • Jeffrey P. Dew

    (Brigham Young University)

  • Heather M. Johnson

Abstract

This study longitudinally examined the sexual costs of economic distress in newlywed couple relationships. Family stress theory posits an association between economic pressure and family relationships. The ability of financial strain to contaminate non-financial aspects of a marriage is troubling considering that many newlyweds report difficulty with financial adjustments after marriage. Positive communication may be a skill that enables young couples to alleviate economic pressure, and the study evaluated the moderating roles of financial communication, sexual communication, and relational communication. Utilizing an actor-partner interdependence moderation model, hypotheses were tested using dyadic data from 2044 couples from a nationally representative sample of newlywed couples in 2017–2018 in the United States. We found that economic pressure of both partners negatively associated with their own contemporaneous sexual satisfaction, but not their partner’s. In addition, we found weak links over time for wives only. Financial communication attenuated the negative effects when husbands and wives experienced economic pressure. Financial communication by a partner protected against negative sexual consequences for wives when that partner experienced economic pressure. Additionally, strong financial communication by wives protected wives from negative sexual consequences of their husbands’ economic pressure. The findings align with family stress theory; specifically, communication may be a resource that helps couples adapt to negative financial stress.

Suggested Citation

  • Jocelyn S. Wikle & Chelom E. Leavitt & Jeremy B. Yorgason & Jeffrey P. Dew & Heather M. Johnson, 2021. "The Protective Role of Couple Communication in Moderating Negative Associations Between Financial Stress and Sexual Outcomes for Newlyweds," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 42(2), pages 282-299, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jfamec:v:42:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10834-020-09728-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10834-020-09728-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Clinton Gudmunson & Ivan Beutler & Craig Israelsen & J. McCoy & E. Hill, 2007. "Linking Financial Strain to Marital Instability: Examining the Roles of Emotional Distress and Marital Interaction," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 28(3), pages 357-376, September.
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    3. Jeffrey Dew, 2007. "Two Sides of the Same Coin? The Differing Roles of Assets and Consumer Debt in Marriage," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 28(1), pages 89-104, March.
    4. Linda Skogrand & Alena Johnson & Amanda Horrocks & John DeFrain, 2011. "Financial Management Practices of Couples with Great Marriages," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 32(1), pages 27-35, March.
    5. Jennifer M. Randles, 2014. "Partnering and Parenting in Poverty: A Qualitative Analysis of a Relationship Skills Program for Low‐Income, Unmarried Families," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 385-412, March.
    6. Jeffrey Dew & Ashley LeBaron & David Allsop, 2018. "Can Stress Build Relationships? Predictors of Increased Marital Commitment Resulting from the 2007–2009 Recession," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 39(3), pages 405-421, September.
    7. Chelom E. Leavitt & Jeffrey P. Dew & David B. Allsop & Samuel D. Runyan & E. Jeffrey Hill, 2019. "Relational and Sexual Costs of Materialism in Couple Relationships: An Actor–Partner Longitudinal Study," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 40(3), pages 438-454, September.
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