The role of sexual communication patterns in the longitudinal associations between romantic attachment and sexual satisfaction

Abstract

Cross-sectional associations between greater attachment insecurities (i.e., anxiety and avoidance) and lower sexual satisfaction are well documented. However, little is known about these associations over time and their explanatory mechanisms. One such potential mechanism is sexual communication, given that attachment insecurities can complicate discussing sexual matters and that positive sexual communication is a pathway toward greater sexual satisfaction. The current study examined whether negative (e.g., blame, avoidance) or collaborative (e.g., problem-solving, sharing feelings) sexual communication patterns (SCP) explained the longitudinal associations between attachment insecurities and sexual satisfaction, using cross-lagged mediation panel analyses. A sample of 441 community adults involved in a romantic relationship completed online questionnaires assessing attachment, SCP and sexual satisfaction at three time points over one year. Results yielded two direct associations showing that individuals with greater attachment avoidance at baseline used more negative SCP six months later and that greater use of collaborative SCP predicted greater sexual satisfaction six months later. One significant indirect association from greater attachment anxiety to lower sexual satisfaction via lower collaborative SCP was also found. These longitudinal findings extend the understanding of mechanisms linking attachment and sexual satisfaction and underline the relevance of targeting how partners communicate about their sexuality in order to improve their sexual satisfaction over time.