Romantic attachment and sexual dissatisfaction in young adult males: The role of perceived partner responsiveness.

Abstract

Sexual satisfaction is found to be an important contributor to healthy, happy relationships, yet surprisingly little research has focused on the male experience of sexuality. The present research investigated the relationship between attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety and sexual dissatisfaction in young adult males and the mediating role perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) has in this relationship. A total of 152 Dutch males, all aged between 18 and 35 years old and all currently in a sexually active relationship, filled out an online questionnaire with questions regarding attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, PPR, and sexual dissatisfaction. Hypothesis were tested using correlation and mediation analyses with attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety as predictors, PPR as mediator, and sexual dissatisfaction as outcome variable. Correlation analyses showed that both attachment dimensions and PPR were related to sexual dissatisfaction. The mediation analyses showed that both attachment dimensions were indirectly related to sexual dissatisfaction via PPR. Both attachment dimensions were also directly related to sexual dissatisfaction. These findings showed that in the context of couples- or sex therapy, PPR might be a valuable treatment target in increasing sexual satisfaction in males.