READING ROMANCE: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF READING ROMANCE WITH PARTNERS ON INTIMACY AND COMMUNICATION.

Modern-day romance novels offer a captivating fusion of relatable yet heroic journeys that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. These stories artfully intertwine the complexities of modern life, drawing upon the myriad issues and challenges that people grapple with daily. At the heart of this genre lies a powerful tool for exploring and enhancing the most crucial aspects of any relationship: communication and intimacy. Using an online survey completed by 586 participants, the current research aimed to determine the utility of romance novels as an adjunct to Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy by assessing readers' use of romance novels and whether they share reading with their partner. It also assessed readers' sexual, relationship, and communication satisfaction, as well as the potential shame associated with reading romance novels. This study compared two groups: those who read romance novels with their partner and those who did not. The findings indicate that readers who shared reading with their partner reported higher communication and sexual satisfaction. However, there was no significant difference in sexual communication and relationship satisfaction between the two groups. Interestingly, among readers who shared reading with their partners, time spent reading together was associated with improved communication satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. However, it did not correspond with enhanced sexual communication. Moreover, the results indicate that most readers no longer need to hide their interest in romance novels or experience embarrassment about their reading preferences. Findings are discussed within the context of utilizing romance novels as an adjunct to Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy, and practical suggestions for clinicians are provided.