Abstract
Research regarding intimacy within Black relationships is often deficiency-focused, reinforcing negative stereotypes about Black people's capacity to relate in sexual and romantic relationships. Utilizing social exchange theory and social learning theory as a combined framework, we examined intimacy-related narratives of 18 Black college students during their first and last sexual encounters. A thematic analysis constructed five themes: (a) limited knowledge of intimacy, (b) internal barriers to non-sexual intimacy, (c) external barriers to non-sexual intimacy, (d) seeking an emotional connection, and (e) experiencing intimacy. Findings suggest varying perspectives and experiences related to intimacy. Intimacy barriers and facilitators are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 81-107 |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| Journal | Journal of black sexuality and relationships |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2018 |