Integrating the attachment, caregiving, and sexual systems into the understanding of sexual satisfaction.

Abstract

Attachment theory stipulates that adult love relationships are governed by three interdependent behavioral systems: attachment, caregiving, and sex (P. R. Shaver, C. Hazan, & D. Bradshaw, 1988, Love as attachment: The integration of three behavioural systems. In R. J. Sternberg & M. Barnes (Eds.), The anatomy of love (pp. 68 -98). New Haven, CT: Yale University Press), but few studies have explored the link between the caregiving and sexual systems. In an attempt to complement current research, this study was designed to provide a better understanding of sexual satisfaction by exploring the interplay of these three systems. Specifically, we examined a model in which the dimensions of romantic attachment and caregiving predicted reasons for engaging in sexual intercourse that served a caregiving function and, ultimately were related to sexual satisfaction in a sample of 152 adults who were cohabiting with a romantic partner. Path analyses revealed that individuals low in attachment-related avoidance scored higher on caregiving proximity and sensitivity, which in turn were associated with having sex to express valuing one's partner, and higher sexual satisfaction. Individuals who score higher on attachment anxiety simultaneously reported lower caregiving sensitivity, which was negatively associated with having sex to express valuing one's partner and reported having sex to express this same value. Attachment anxiety was also associated with scores on the measure of exerting too much control while providing care. This was in turn associated with using sexuality to enhance one's sense of power. Our model explained 16% of the variance in sexual satisfaction. Findings are discussed in light of attachment theory and implications for couple therapy.

Quality of life and sexual satisfaction in women suffering from endometriosis: An Italian preliminary study

“…Indeed, sexual satisfaction refers to the subjective perception in relation to multiple aspects of sex life: realization of erotic desires, satisfaction of passion, feeling loved, frequency of sexual activity, meeting of expectations, and satisfaction in general with relationship (Ortiz and Ortiz, 2003;Castellanos-Torres et al, 2013). Both these domains are considered two core aspects of human health (WHO, 2006;Schwartz and Young, 2009;WHO, 2010;Tripoli et al, 2011;Castellanos-Torres et al, 2013;Peloquin et al, 2013). Moreover, some studies stress how endometriosis also affects negatively the perception of health, the ability to work and daily life, and can be associated with mood and anxiety disorders (Denny andMann, 2007a, 2007b;Sepulcri and doAmaral, 2009;Fourquet et al, 2010Fourquet et al, , 2011Nnoaham et al, 2011;Tripoli et al, 2011;Montanari et al, 2013;Cavaggioni et al, 2014;Fritzer et al, 2014).…”

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Women with Endometriosis

“…Endometriosis has an adverse impact on physical, mental, and social well-being and therefore a negative impact on health-related quality of life (Moradi et al 2014). Quality of life and sexual function domains are considered two core aspects of human health (WHO, 2010;Peloquin et al 2013).…”

Perceiving that one's partner is supportive moderates the associations among attachment insecurity and psychosexual variables

“…Third, the correlational and cross-sectional nature of this investigation as well as the analyses used preclude any causal inference about our results. Moreover, this study did not use a dyadic analytical approach and hence, may not fully capture attachment and caregiving dynamics involved in couples (Brassard et al, 2007;Péloquin et al, 2013). As a result, future research examining associations within the three behavioural systems should recruit samples of couples and use couples as the unit of analysis.…”