Maggie Bennett-Brown

Biography

Dr. Maggie Bennett-Brown is an assistant professor in Communication Studies in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University. In addition to her position with TTU, she is an affiliated research fellow at the Kinsey Institute. She is also an active member of the International Communication Association, the National Communication Association, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, and the International Association for Relationship Research.

Research

Dr. Bennett-Brown's primary areas of specialization are interpersonal and health communication, focusing on affection and its effects on mental and physical health within the context of intimate romantic relationships. In particular, she is interested in the effects of various forms of affectionate communication on sexual satisfaction, desire, and arousal, as well as the biological correlates underlying such communication processes and their link to health and well-being. my research finds that affectionate communication during intimate moments has a significant impact on the relational health of a couple. This work has helped her develop a unique expertise in studying moments of intimacy and heightened vulnerability in close relationships, with an aim to understand the effects of both positive and negative communication processes in these moments on individual and relational outcomes.

Methodologies

Dr. Bennett-Brown is primarily a quantitative survey researcher. She has conducted experimental research and qualitative content coding in previous research projects.

Research Areas

• Health
• Interpersonal

Selected Publications

• Bennett-Brown, M. & Denes, A. (in press). Testing the communication during sexual activity model: An examination of personality characteristics and their relationship with sexual communication outcomes. Communication Research.

 

• Bennett-Brown, M.  & Wright, P.J. (2022). Pornography consumption and partnered sex: A review of pornography use and satisfaction in romantic relationships. Current Addiction Reports. doi: 10.1007/s40429-022-00412-z Pornography consumption and partnered sex: a review of pornography use and satisfaction in romantic relationships | SpringerLink

 

• Campbell, J.T., Adams, O.R., Bennett-Brown, M., Woodward, B., Gesselman, A.N., & Carter, G. (2022). PrEP familiarity, interest, and usage among 364 Black and Hispanic adults in Indiana. Frontiers in Public Health. Frontiers | PrEP Familiarity, Interest, and Usage Among 364 Black and Hispanic Adults in Indiana (frontiersin.org)

• Bennett-Brown, M., Adams, O.R., Campbell, J.T., Moscovici, Z., & Gesselman, A.N. (2022). Chronic vulvovaginal pain in patients of color: Benefits of partner supportiveness in relation to sexual dissatisfaction and distress. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. JERPH | Free Full-Text | Chronic Vulvovaginal Pain in Patients of Color: Benefits of Partner Supportiveness in Relation to Sexual Dissatisfaction and Distress (mdpi.com)

• Denes, A., Crowley, J.P, Dhillon, A., Bennett-Brown, M., Stebbins, J.L., & Granger, S.W (2021). Exploring the role of oxytocin in communication processes: A test of the post sex disclosures model. Communication Monographs. Exploring the role of oxytocin in communication processes: A test of the post sex disclosures model: Communication Monographs: Vol 89, No 2 (tandfonline.com)

Teaching Focus

• Quantitative Research Methods (Graduate)
• Professional Communication in Health, Technology, and Science (Graduate)
• Communication Theory
• Communication in Nursing
• Communication in Healthcare
• Speaking for Business

Awards

• Top 4 Paper Panel (2021)- Interpersonal Communication Division of the International Communication Association
• Top 2 Paper Panel (2017)- Interpersonal Communication Division of the National Communication Association