Abstract
In this online cross-sectional survey study in a large community sample we investigated the associations between attachment-related relational needs, partner responsiveness, intimacy, and sexual desire, using structural equation modeling. Participants were heterosexual and non-heterosexual women and men. Intimacy and partner responsiveness correlated positively with sexual desire in all subsamples. Anxious attachment-related relational needs correlated positively with sexual desire. Avoidant attachment-related relational needs correlated negatively with sexual desire. Anxious and avoidant attachment-related needs, however, did not moderate the association between intimacy and sexual desire. Individuals with problems of low sexual desire may benefit from an emphasis in sex therapy on ways to increase (perceptions of) intimacy.
Highlights
Sexual desire is a central aspect of sexual functioning (Mark and Lasslo, 2018)
In line with the incentive-motivation theory, the circular model of female sexual responding (Basson, 2000, 2003) claims that intimacy serves both as a trigger for sexual desire, and as a reward created by the experience of sexual arousal and - in particular - of orgasm (Basson, 2000)
We investigated the associations between intimacy, partner responsiveness, and anxious and avoidant attachment on the one hand, and sexual desire on the other hand
Summary
Sexual desire is a central aspect of sexual functioning (Mark and Lasslo, 2018). Lower than desirable level of sexual desire is a highly prevalent sexual problem in many countries (Štulhofer et al, 2005; Kedde, 2012; McCabe et al, 2016). An influential definition of emotional intimacy is that of Sternberg (1986). Intimacy serves as an incentive for sexual motivation. In line with the incentive-motivation theory, the circular model of female sexual responding (Basson, 2000, 2003) claims that intimacy serves both as a trigger for sexual desire, and as a reward created by the experience of sexual arousal and - in particular - of orgasm (Basson, 2000). The circular model is considered relevant for male sexual functioning (Štulhofer et al, 2013; Connaughton et al, 2016), but its relevance for women and men who do not experience sexual dysfunction has been questioned (Sand and Fisher, 2007; Giles and McCabe, 2009)
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