PS-01-009 The relationship between attachment, personality and sexual satisfaction

Abstract

The study explores the link between sexual dissatisfaction and insecure attachment, personality attributes, sexual openness and the level of stress-control. Deficiencies in sexual education and negative first sexual experiences probably exert as well a significant influence on later sexual satisfaction. 112 respondents completed this online survey. A 1 to 5 Likert scale was used for most of the assessments. For stress-anxiety levels and desire to maintain control in a relationship, a broader scale was used (1-10). Attachment assessment: Bartholomew-Horowitz test. 33 attributes were used for personality assessment - respondents had to choose five that best characterizes their interaction within the couple. Relationship and sexual satisfaction were significantly lower for respondents with an insecure attachment. Spearman & Pearson correlations were 2-tailed (0.01), also when comparing attachment style with satisfaction from sexual intercourse within the last 6 months. Respondents with a secure attachment declared in a significantly higher percentage (double) that intercourse provides almost always satisfaction. There were no significant associations for personality traits, but results suggest that the balance between giving and receiving traits is underlying the relationship quality and a satisfying sexuality. Communication quality and the level of sexual openness were significantly associated with sexual satisfaction. A relationship above average appeared to offer more satisfying sex, even in an environment of high stress or when a high level of control was present. Negative emotions linked to first erotic experiences were significantly correlated with a lower sexual satisfaction, but there was even a linear correlation between poor sexual education and sexual dissatisfaction. Only one in five sexually unhappy respondents received an adequate sexual education and the large majority claim that during their lifetime visits to the GP sexuality was never spontaneously addressed.