Attachment, Conflict Resolution, and Sexual Satisfaction in Adoptive Couples

Abstract

Attachment theory affirms that one’s partner is vital to fostering support and security. It is important for adoptive couples to be mindful of this support because it is at the forefront of healthy family functioning. With a sample of adoptive couples (n = 166), this study examines the influence of attachment style on conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction. Significant findings indicate that an avoidant attachment style is directly associated with lower conflict resolution and sexual satisfaction. Better conflict resolution significantly predicts greater sexual satisfaction. These findings demonstrate the importance of establishing a more secure romantic attachment in clinical work with adoptive couples.

Keywords:

• Couples
• adoption
• attachment
• quantitative

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Children, Youth, & Families, Children’s Bureau, Adoption Opportunities, grant #90CO1026, principal investigator: Gary Anderson, Ph.D.