Relationship Attachment Styles in a Sample of Hypersexual Patients

Abstract

Some authors theorize that relationship attachment difficulties play an etiological role in the development of hypersexual behavior. The research in support of this theory is plagued by small sample sizes and analyses that are limited to averages within 4 forced-choice categories of attachment. The present study seeks to further the understanding of relationship attachment styles and hypersexual behavior by analyzing both categorical and dimensional measures of attachment among a large sample of men (N = 136) seeking treatment for excessive sexual behaviors. Many, but not all, subjects reported attachment difficulties. Using cluster analysis, 4 distinct clusters appeared to be unique on measures of attachment, demographics, and shame proneness. The utility of the categorical versus the dimensional model of attachment, as well as the assessment and treatment implications for hypersexual behavior, are discussed.

Notes

Schmitt and colleagues gave values only for regions of the United States. The West was selected because this sample was disproportionately from the West, although the conclusions are the same. Note that Schmitt and colleagues’ sample was about two-thirds women, whereas this sample is entirely men.