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Linguistic Correlates of the Communication Patterns Questionnaire: The Correspondence of Language and Quantitative Measures of Perceived Communication Patterns Among Emerging Adult Gay Male Couples

Up to two-thirds of new HIV infections among sexual minority men are estimated to occur within main partnerships, with the greatest burden among younger partners aged 18 to 29. Various interpersonal processes, such as perceived communication patterns, influence HIV behavioral health among these couples. Although they represent correlates of health for gay couples, it is unclear how these abstract dynamics manifest in the context of everyday speech. The present study investigated linguistic correlates of perceived communication patterns among partnered gay men. Individual interviews from both members of 21 emerging adult couples were analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry Word Count. Couples’ total first-person singular (I-talk) and plural (We-talk) pronoun use were positively associated with total dyadic constructive communication scores. Negative emotion word use was negatively associated with constructive communication scores. Results suggest that language use provides important markers of interpersonal processes that predict HIV behavioral health among gay couples, suggesting the potential of language use to inform HIV prevention interventions for partnered gay men in emerging adult couples.