Associations between romantic attachment and sexual satisfaction through intimacy and couple support among pregnant couples

Abstract

IntroductionExpecting a first child is a challenging period for relationship partners, especially in regard to their sex life. In fact, sexual satisfaction can diminish for most pregnant couples. ObjectiveThis research aimed to explore the associations between attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and sexual satisfaction through relationship intimacy and partner support among both partners during pregnancy. MethodDuring the second trimester of pregnancy, 127 first-time parent couples completed online questionnaires assessing romantic attachment, sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and couple support. This study was cross-sectional. Path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependance Model were conducted. ResultsResults revealed the presence of indirect associations between attachment avoidance, but not anxiety, and lower sexual satisfaction, via intimacy and couple support, in women and men. Men's attachment avoidance was also indirectly related to their pregnant partners’ lower sexual satisfaction through these variables. ConclusionThese results highlight the importance of relational processes, namely intimacy and support, in sexual satisfaction during a pregnancy.