Solidarity and sexual communication as selective filters: A report on intimate relationship development

This study attempts to extend Wheeless, Wheeless and Baus's (1984) examination of variables that distinguish between developing and deteriorating relationships. The purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which interpersonal solidarity and sexual communication satisfaction are related to relationship stages, and reports of satisfaction in intimate relationships. Findings suggest that feelings of solidarity in highly developed intimate relationship stages are more salient than sexual communication satisfaction to reports of overall relationship satisfaction. This study also considers the influence of socially desirable responding on reports of sexual communication satisfaction.