Actor and Partner Effects of Attachment on Relationship Satisfaction and Sexual Satisfaction Across the Genders: An APIM Approach. (20th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conradi, Henk Jan; Noordhof, Arjen; Dingemanse, Pieter; Barelds, Dick P. H.; Kamphuis, Jan H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of marital and family therapy. Volume 43:Number 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 700
• Page End: 716
• Publication Date: 2017-03-20
• Subjects: Marriage counseling -- United States -- Periodicals; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Family -- Periodicals; Family Therapy -- Periodicals; Marriage -- Periodicals; Gezinstherapie; Conseil conjugal -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Thérapie familiale -- Périodiques; 616.89156
• DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-472X

Abstract

Abstract : Previous studies found gender differences in relationship satisfaction and sexuality. We tested gender differences in associations between attachment, a lasting relationship determinant, and two outcomes, relationship and sexual satisfaction. This study improves on earlier research by examining these associations in one Actor‐Partner‐Interdependence‐Model, making direct statistical testing between outcomes possible. Furthermore, a community and a distressed sample ( N = 113 heterosexual couples each) were included to attempt replication across samples and to examine clinical implications. In both genders, actor attachment avoidance negatively affected relationship satisfaction and (with one exception) sexual satisfaction. Also in both genders, partner attachment avoidance negatively affected sexual satisfaction. However, whereas partner attachment avoidance influenced female relationship satisfaction, it did not affect male relationship satisfaction. The findings replicated across samples. Clinical implications are discussed.