Sex is a family affair: sources of discord and harmony

Sexuality is a central source of communication and growth in the development of relationships between an individual and his parents, spouse, and children. It is both a vehicle for and manifestation of crucial interpersonal links. In the physical sense, this is seen when the adolescent or adult's physical sexual expression is evidence of closeness to another and it also a way of achieving such closeness. In the psychological sense, sexual behavior in current relationships may be hindered by carrying the image of internalized aspects of past relationships; it may also afford a new setting for further work on them. This paper explores family aspects of sexual issues in several areas, demonstrating that when sexual dysfunction represents the distillation of a couple's relationship to their own parents, successful resolution of their own sexual relationship may be a crucial first step in rebuilding family harmony and providing a culture of intimacy for their children.