A contemporary exploration of the relationship between attachment and sexual satisfaction: the role of technology-mediated sexual interaction

Abstract

The evolution of technology has transformed the way young adults develop and maintain relationships, including their sexuality. Since many young adults report low sexual satisfaction, it is important to understand what contributes to these negative experiences. Several studies have identified that attachment anxiety and avoidance are related to lower sexual satisfaction. However, few studies have considered technology-mediated sexual interactions (TMSI) – and the motives for doing so – in the associations between attachment and sexual satisfaction. This study explored the mediating and moderating role of TMSI (frequency and motives) in these associations in a sample of 478 young adults (Study 1) and 142 couples (Study 2). Results showed that attachment anxiety was related to a higher TMSI frequency and engaging in TMSI for avoidance motives. Engaging in TMSI for approach motives was related to higher sexual satisfaction, while engaging in TMSI for avoidance motives was related to lower sexual satisfaction. Finally, engaging in TMSI to manage distance moderated the association between attachment avoidance and sexual satisfaction. These results suggest that beyond the role of attachment anxiety and avoidance, contemporary factors related to digital technologies, such as sexting frequency and motives, are related to sexual satisfaction.

LAY SUMMARY

This study showed that young adults who have developed insecure attachment are less sexually satisfied and more frequently use technology-mediated sexual interactions (TMSI) such as sexting with their partner, but mostly to avoid negative consequences. Adults who engage in TMSI for positive reasons such as intimacy are more sexually satisfied.

Keywords:

• Young adults
• attachment insecurity
• sexual satisfaction
• technology-mediated sexual interactions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada under Grant # 435-2018-0348.

Notes on contributors

Audrey-Ann Lefebvre

Audrey-Ann Lefebvre, B.A., is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (QC), Canada. Her research interest includes clinical psychology, partner violence and sexual and couple functioning. She is also interested in the risk markers of intimate partner violence, such as attachment, dysfunctional communication patterns, and relationships satisfaction.

Ariane Audet

Ariane Audet, B. A. is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (QC), Canada. Her research interest includes clinical psychology, sexuality, and intimate partner violence. She is also interested in the risk markers underlying the mechanisms of intimate partner violence, such as childhood interpersonal trauma, personality, and emotion dysregulation.

Mathilde Savard

Mathilde Savard, B.A., is a Psy.D. candidate in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (QC), Canada. Her research interest includes romantic attachment, interpersonal relationships, neurological pathologies, and depression.

Marie Christine Mackay

Marie Christine MacKay, B.A., is a Psy.D. candidate in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (QC), Canada. Her research interest includes organizational psychology, leadership practices, and psychological well-being. More precisely, she is interested in the management practices of leaders and their well-being at work.

Audrey Brassard

Audrey Brassard, Ph.D., is a full professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke (QC), Canada. Her research and clinical interests include interpersonal relationships, romantic attachment, intimate partner violence, conflict, and sexuality.

Marie-Ève Daspe

Marie-Ève Daspe, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal, Montréal (QC), Canada. Her work focuses on psychophysiological correlates of intimate partner violence. She also studies the impacts of digital technologies on relationship functioning among adolescents and young adults.

Yvan Lussier

Yvan Lussier, PhD, is a retired professor in the Department of Psychology at the University du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières (QC), Canada. His research includes predictive models of psychological adaptation and dyadic adjustment, adult attachment, effectiveness of psychotherapy, and intimate partner violence.

Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel

Marie-Pier Vaillancourt-Morel, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières (QC), Canada. Her research focuses on sexuality, couple and trauma, with an emphasis on the effects of interpersonal trauma in childhood and the use of pornography on the sexual well-being of couples.