Sexual Satisfaction Among Couples: The Role of Attachment Orientation and Sexual Motives

References

• Barden-O’Fallon, J., Tsui, A., & Adewuyi, A. (2003). Social and proximate determinants of sexual activity in rural Nigeria. Journal of Biosocial Science, 35(4), 585–599. doi:10.1017/S0021932003006011
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E. (2007). Attachment orientations, sexual functioning, and relationship satisfaction in a community sample of women. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24(1), 21–35. doi:10.1177/0265407507072576
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E. (2010). Bound to interact: The divergent goals and complex interplay of attachment and sex within romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27(2), 245–252. doi:10.1177/0265407509360902
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E., & Gillath, O. (2006). Measuring subgoals of the sexual behavioral system: What is sex good for? Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 23(5), 675–701. doi:10.1177/0265407506065992
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E., Mikulincer, M., Szepsenwol, O., Shaver, P. R., & Mizrahi, M. (2014). When sex goes wrong: A behavioral systems perspective on individual differences in sexual attitudes, motives, feelings, and behaviors. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(5), 822–842. doi:10.1037/a0036021
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E., & Reis, H. T. (2006). Women’s sexual working models: An evolutionary-attachment perspective. Journal of Sex Research, 43(4), 328–342. doi:10.1080/00224490609552332
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E., Reis, H. T., Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O., & Orpaz, A. (2006). When sex is more than just sex: Attachment orientations, sexual experience, and relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91(5), 929–943. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.91.5.929
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Birnbaum, G. E., Weisberg, Y. J., & Simpson, J. A. (2011). Desire under attack: Attachment orientations and the effects of relationship threat on sexual motivations. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 28(4), 448–468. doi:10.1177/0265407510381932
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Blumstein, P., & Schwartz, P. (1983). American couples: Money, work, sex. New York, NY: Morrow.
   Google Scholar
• Bogaert, A. F., & Sadava, S. (2002). Adult attachment and sexual behavior. Personal Relationships, 9(2), 191–204. doi:10.1111/1475-6811.00012
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brassard, A., Dupuy, E., Bergeron, S., & Shaver, P. R. (2013). Attachment insecurities and women’s sexual function and satisfaction: The mediating roles of sexual self-esteem, sexual anxiety, and sexual assertiveness. Journal of Sex Research, 52(1), 37–41. doi:10.1080/00224499.2013.838744
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brassard, A., Shaver, P. R., & Lussier, Y. (2007). Attachment, sexual experience, and sexual pressure in romantic relationships: A dyadic approach. Personal Relationships, 14, 475–493. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2007.00166.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brennan, K. A., Clark, C. L., & Shaver, P. R. (1998). Self-report measurement of adult attachment: An integrative overview. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment theory and close relationships (pp. 46–76). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
   Google Scholar
• Brennan, K. A., & Shaver, P. R. (1995). Dimensions of adult attachment, affect regulation, and romantic relationship functioning. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21(3), 267–283. doi:10.1177/0146167295213008
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brennan, K. A., Wu, S., & Loev, J. (1998). Adult romantic attachment and individual differences in attitudes toward physical contact in the context of adult romantic relationships. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment theory and close relationships (pp. 248–256). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
   Google Scholar
• Browning, J. R. (2004). A comprehensive inventory of sexual motives ( doctoral dissertation). University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu.
   Google Scholar
• Butzer, B., & Campbell, L. (2008). Adult attachment, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction: A study of married couples. Personal Relationships, 15(1), 141–154. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2007.00189.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Byers, E. S. (2005). Relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction: A longitudinal study of individuals in long-term relationships. Journal of Sex Research, 42(2), 113–118. doi:10.1080/00224490509552264
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Call, V., Sprecher, S., & Schwartz, P. (1995). The incidence and frequency of marital sex in a national sample. Journal of Marriage and Family, 57(3), 639–652. doi:10.2307/353919
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Campbell, L., & Kashy, D. A. (2002). Estimating actor, partner, and interaction effects for dyadic data using PROC MIXED and HLM: A user-friendly guide. Personal Relationships, 9, 327–342. doi:10.1111/1475-6811.00023
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cohen, D. L., & Belsky, J. (2008). Avoidant romantic attachment and female orgasm: Testing an emotion-regulation hypothesis. Attachment and Human Development, 10(1), 1–10. doi:10.1080/14616730701868555
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cooper, M. L., Shapiro, C. M., & Powers, A. M. (1998). Motivations for sex and risky sexual behavior among adolescents and adults: A functional perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(6), 1528–1558. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.75.6.1528
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cooper, M. L., Talley, A. E., Sheldon, M. S., Levitt, A., & Barber, L. L. (2008). A dyadic perspective on approach and avoidance motives for sexual behavior. In A. J. Elliot (Ed.), Handbook of approach and avoidance motivation (pp. 615–632). New York, NY: Psychology Press.
   Google Scholar
• Costa, R. M., & Brody, S. (2011). Anxious and avoidant attachment, vibrator use, anal sex, and impaired vaginal orgasm. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8, 2493–2500. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02332.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Davis, D., Shaver, P. R., & Vernon, M. L., (2004). Attachment style and subjective motivations for sex. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30(8), 1076–1090. doi:10.1177/0146167204264794
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Davis, D., Shaver, P. R., Widaman, K. F., Vernon, M. L., Follette, W. C., & Beitz, K. (2006). “I can’t get no satisfaction”: Insecure attachment, inhibited sexual communication, and sexual dissatisfaction. Personal Relationships, 13(4), 465–483. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2006.00130.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Davison, S. L., Bell, R. J., LaChina, M., Holden, S. L., & Davis, S. R. (2009). The relationship between self-reported sexual satisfaction and general well-being in women. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(10), 2690–2697. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01406.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• DeLamater, J., & Hyde, J. S. (2004). Conceptual and theoretical issues in studying sexuality in close relationships. In J. H. Harvey, A. Wenzel, & S. Sprecher (Eds.), The handbook of sexuality in close relationships (pp. 7–30). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
   Google Scholar
• Dewitte, M. (2012). Different perspectives on the sex-attachment link: Towards an emotion-motivational account. Journal of Sex Research, 49(2–3), 105–124. doi:10.1080/00224499.2011.576351
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Frederick, D. A., Lever, J., Gillespie, B. J., & Garcia, J. R. (2016). What keeps passion alive? Sexual satisfaction is associated with sexual communication, mood setting, sexual variety, oral sex, orgasm, and sex frequency in a national U.S. study. Journal of Sex Research. Advance online publication. doi:10.1080/00224499.2015.1137854
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gewirtz-Meydan, A. (2017). Why do narcissistic individuals engage in sex? Exploring sexual motives as a mediator for sexual satisfaction and function. Personality and Individual Differences, 105, 7–13. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2016.09.009
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Granot, M., Zisman-Ilani, Y., Ram, E., Goldstick, O., & Yovell, Y. (2011). Characteristics of attachment style in women with dyspareunia. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 37(1), 1–16. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2011.533563
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511–524. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hill, C. A. (2016). Implicit and explicit sexual motives as related but distinct characteristics. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 38(2), 59–88. doi:10.1080/01973533.2015.1129610
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hill, C. A., & Preston, L. K. (1996). Individual differences in experience of sexual motivation: Theory and measurement of dispositional sexual motives. Journal of Sex Research, 33(1), 27–45. doi:10.1080/00224499609551812
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hudson, W. W., Harrison, D. F., & Crosscup, P. C. (1981). A short-form scale to measure sexual discord in dyadic relationships. Journal of Sex Research, 17(2), 157–174. doi:10.1080/00224498109551110
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Impett, E. A., Gordon, A. M., & Strachman, A. (2008a). Attachment and daily sexual goals: A study of dating couples. Personal Relationships, 15(3), 375–390. doi:10.1111/j.1475-6811.2008.00204.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Impett, E. A., Muise, A., & Peragine, D. (2014). Sexuality in the context of relationships. In D. L. Tolman (Ed.), APA handbook of sexuality and psychology: Person-based approaches (Vol. 1, pp. 269–315). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
   Google Scholar
• Impett, E. A., & Peplau, L. A. (2002). Why some women consent to unwanted sex with a dating partner: Insights from attachment theory. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 26(4), 360–370. doi:10.1111/1471-6402.t01-1-00075
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Impett, E. A., Peplau, L. A., & Gable, S. L. (2005). Approach and avoidance sexual motives: Implications for personal and interpersonal well-being. Personal Relationships, 12, 465–482. doi:10.1111/pere.2005.12.issue-4
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Impett, E. A., Strachman, A., Finkel, E. J., & Gable, S. L. (2008b). Maintaining sexual desire in intimate relationships: The importance of approach goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 94(5), 808–823. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.94.5.808
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kisler, T. S., & Christopher, F. S. (2008). Sexual exchanges and relationship satisfaction: Testing the role of sexual satisfaction as a mediator and gender as a moderator. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 25(4), 587–602. doi:10.1177/0265407508090874
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kravetz, S., Drory, Y., & Shaked, A. (1999). The Israeli Sexual Behavior Inventory (ISBI): Scale construction and preliminary validation. Sexuality and Disability, 17(2), 115–129. doi:10.1023/A:1021420300693
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Laurenceau, J., Barrett, L. F., & Rovine, M. J. (2005). The interpersonal process model of intimacy in marriage: A daily-diary and multilevel modeling approach. Journal of Family Psychology, 19(2), 314–323. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.19.2.314
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lavner, J., Miller, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2015). Narcissism and newlywed marriage: Partner characteristics and marital trajectories. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 7(2), 169–179. doi:10.1037/per0000137
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Leclerc, B., Bergeron, S., Brassard, A., Bélanger, C., Steben, M., & Lambert, B. (2014). Attachment, sexual assertiveness, and sexual outcomes in women with provoked vestibulodynia and their partners: A mediation model. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44, 1561–1572. doi:10.1007/s10508-014-0295-1
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Levine, S. B. (2003). The nature of sexual desire: A clinician’s perspective. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32(3), 279–285. doi:10.1023/A:1023421819465
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Litzinger, S., & Gordon, K. C. (2005). Exploring relationships among communication, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 31(5), 409–424. doi:10.1080/00926230591006719
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Liu, C. (2000). A theory of marital sexual life. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(2), 363–374. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2000.00363.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Liu, C. (2003). Does quality of marital sex decline with duration? Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32(1), 55–60. doi:10.1023/A:1021893329377
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mark, K., Herbenick, D., Fortenberry, D., Sanders, S., & Reece, M. (2014). The object of sexual desire: Examining the “what” in “what do you desire?” Journal of Sexual Medicine, 11, 2709–2719. doi:10.1111/jsm.12683
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mark, K., & Jozkowski, K. N. (2013). The mediating role of sexual and nonsexual communication between relationship and sexual satisfaction in a sample of college-age heterosexual couples. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 39(5), 410–427. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2011.644652
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McCave, E., Shepard, B., & Winter, V. R. (2014). Human sexuality as a critical subfield in social work. Advances in Social Work, 15(2), 409–427. Retrieved from https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork
   Google Scholar
• Middelberg, C. V. (2001). Projective identification in common couple dance. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 27(3), 341–352. doi:10.1111/j.1752-0606.2001.tb00329.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mikulincer, M. (2006). Attachment, caregiving, and sex within romantic relationships: A behavioral systems perspective. In M. Mikulincer & G. S. Goodman (Eds.), Dynamics of romantic love: Attachment, caregiving, and sex (pp. 23–44). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
   Google Scholar
• Muise, A., Boudreau, G. K., & Rosen, N. O. (2016). Seeking connection versus avoiding disappointment: An experimental manipulation of approach and avoidance sexual goals and the implications for desire and satisfaction. Journal of Sex Research. Advance online publication. doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1152455
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Muise, A., Impett, E. A., & Desmarais, S. (2013). Getting it on versus getting it over with: Sexual motivation, desire, and satisfaction in intimate bonds. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 39, 1320–1332. doi:10.1177/0146167213490963
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Muise, A., Kim, J., McNulty, J. K., & Impett, E. A. (2016). The positive implications of sex for relationships. In C. R. Knee & H. T. Reis (Eds.), Positive approaches to optimal relationship development (pp. 124–147). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
   Google Scholar
• Muthén, L. K., & Muthén, B. O. (1998–2010). Mplus user’s guide (6th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Muthén & Muthén.
   Google Scholar
• Ozcan, O., Cumurcu, B., Karlidag, R., Nal, S., Mutlu, E., & Kartalci, S. (2015). Attachment styles in women with vaginismus. Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry, 16(1), 37–43. doi:10.5455/apd.149901
   Google Scholar
• Péloquin, K., Brassard, A., Delisle, G., & Bédard, M. M. (2013). Integrating the attachment, caregiving, and sexual systems into the understanding of sexual satisfaction. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue Canadienne des Sciences du Comportement, 45(3), 185–195. doi:10.1037/a0033514
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rajkumar, R. (2015). The impact of disrupted childhood attachment on the presentation of psychogenic erectile dysfunction: An exploratory study. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(3), 798–803. doi:10.1111/jsm.12815
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rosen, N. O., Mooney, K., & Muise, A. (2016). Dyadic empathy predicts sexual and relationship well-being in couples transitioning to parenthood. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. Advance online publication. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2016.1208698
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rosen, N. O., Muise, A., Bergeron, S., Impett, E. A., & Boudreau, G. K. (2015). Approach and avoidance sexual goals in couples with provoked vestibulodynia: Associations with sexual, relational, and psychological well-being. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(8), 1781–1790. doi:10.1111/jsm.12948
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sanchez, D. T., Phelan, J. E., Moss-Racusin, C. A., & Good, J. J. (2012). The gender role motivation model of women’s sexually submissive behavior and satisfaction in heterosexual couples. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(4), 528–539. doi:10.1177/0146167211430088
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Schachner, D. A., & Shaver, P. R. (2004). Attachment dimensions and sexual motives. Personal Relationships, 11, 179–195. doi:10.1111/pere.2004.11.issue-2
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Snapp, S., Lento, R., Ryu, E., & Rosen, K. S. (2014). Why do they hook up? Attachment style and motives of college students. Personal Relationships, 21(3), 468–481. doi:10.1111/pere.12043
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sprecher, S. (2002). Sexual satisfaction in premarital relationships: Associations with satisfaction, love, commitment, and stability. Journal of Sex Research, 39(3), 190–196. doi:10.1080/00224490209552141
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sprecher, S., Regan, P. C., & Angeles, L. (1998). Passionate and companionate love in courting and young married couples. Sociological Inquiry, 68(2), 163–185. doi:10.1111/j.1475-682X.1998.tb00459.x
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stafford, L., Kline, S. L., & Rankin, C. T. (2004). Married individuals, cohabiters, and cohabiters who marry: A longitudinal study of relational and individual well-being. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 21(2), 231–248. doi:10.1177/0265407504041385
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stefanou, C., & McCabe, M. P. (2012). Adult attachment and sexual functioning: A review of past research. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9, 2499–2507. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02843.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stephenson, K. R., Ahrold, T. K., & Meston, C. M. (2011). The association between sexual motives and sexual satisfaction: Gender differences and categorical comparisons. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 40(3), 607–618. doi:10.1007/s10508-010-9674-4
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stephenson, K. R., & Meston, C. M. (2010). When are sexual difficulties distressing for women? The selective protective value of intimate relationships. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(11), 3683–3694. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01958.x
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tracy, J. L., Shaver, P. R., Albino, A. W., & Cooper, M. L. (2003). Attachment styles and adolescent sexuality. In P. Florsheim (Ed.), Adolescent romantic relations and sexual behavior: Theory, research, and practical implications (pp. 137–159). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
   Google Scholar
• Watson, E., Milhausen, R. R., Wood, J., Maitland, S., Watson, E., Milhausen, R. R., … Maitland, S. (2016). Sexual motives in heterosexual women with and without sexual difficulties. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. Advance online publication. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2015.1124303
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wei, M., Russell, D. W., Mallinckrodt, B., & Vogel, D. L. (2007). The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR)—Short Form: Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 88(2), 187–204. doi:10.1080/00223890701268041
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Willoughby, B. J., Farero, A. M., & Busby, D. M. (2014). Exploring the effects of sexual desire discrepancy among married couples. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(3), 551–562. doi:10.1007/s10508-013-0181-2
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wineburg, H. R. (2015). Social work and human sexuality: An examination of the country’s top 25-CSWE ranked MSW program curricula ( Unpublished master’s thesis). Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA.
   Google Scholar