Attachment Identity as a Predictor of Relationship Functioning Among Heterosexual and Sexual-minority Women

Abstract

Limited research examines the impact of attachment on variables reflecting relationship functioning (i.e., relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and relationship commitment), especially among sexual-minority women (SMW). Given that such research utilizes a heterocentric lens, it is difficult to discern whether prior findings would also extend to SMW. Additional research is, therefore, warranted to identify if the theoretical foundation of attachment is relevant in understanding the relationship functioning of SMW. This study, therefore, sought to examine attachment dimensions (i.e., anxiety and avoidance) as predictors of relationship functioning variables and to assess for what, if any, differences exist between two groups: (a) heterosexual women and (b) SMW. An online survey was distributed to 166 women currently within relationships. There were no significant differences in relationship functioning variables nor in attachment dimensions between groups. Attachment anxiety explained over 31% of the variance in relationship satisfaction, over 39% of the variance in sexual satisfaction, and over 33% of the variance in relationship commitment between both groups. Conversely, attachment avoidance explained almost 18% of the variance in sexual satisfaction, but not did predict relationship satisfaction nor relationship commitment. These findings are further discussed in the context of limitations and clinical implications for practice.