Integrating the Attachment, Caregiving, and Sexual Systems Into the Understanding of Sexual Satisfaction

Attachment theory stipulates that adult love relationships are governed by three interdependent behavioral systems: attachment, caregiving, and sex (P. R. Shaver, C. Hazan, & D. Bradshaw, 1988, Love as attachment: The integration of three behavioural systems. In R. J. Sternberg & M. Barnes (Eds.), The anatomy of love (pp. 68-98). New Haven, CT: Yale University Press), but few studies have explored the link between the caregiving and sexual systems. In an attempt to complement current research, this study was designed to provide a better understanding of sexual satisfaction by exploring the interplay of these three systems. Specifically, we examined a model in which the dimensions of romantic attachment and caregiving predicted reasons for engaging in sexual intercourse that served a caregiving function and, ultimately were related to sexual satisfaction in a sample of 152 adults who were cohabiting with a romantic partner. Path analyses revealed that individuals low in attachment-related avoidance scored higher on caregiving proximity and sensitivity, which in turn were associated with having sex to express valuing one's partner, and higher sexual satisfaction. Individuals who score higher on attachment anxiety simultaneously reported lower caregiving sensitivity, which was negatively associated with having sex to express valuing one's partner and reported having sex to express this same value. Attachment anxiety was also associated with scores on the measure of exerting too much control while providing care. This was in turn associated with using sexuality to enhance one's sense of power. Our model explained 16% of the variance in sexual satisfaction. Findings are discussed in light of attachment theory and implications for couple therapy.