Insecure Attachment and Sexual Satisfaction: A Path Analysis Model Integrating Sexual Mindfulness, Sexual Anxiety, and Sexual Self-Esteem

J Sex Marital Ther. 2022;48(6):535-551. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2021.2011808. Epub 2021 Dec 8.

Abstract

This study examines the intermediary role of three variables (sexual mindfulness, sexual anxiety, and sexual self-esteem) in a path analysis model to explain the association between insecure attachment and sexual satisfaction. A community sample of 543 adults completed an online survey. Results supported our hypothesized integrative model, which explained 44.1% of the variance in sexual satisfaction and presented satisfactory fit indices. This study suggests that the association between attachment insecurities and lower sexual satisfaction could be partially explained by a proximal association with lower sexual mindfulness, which emphasizes the relevance of examining sexual mindfulness during the screening and treatment of people presenting low sexual satisfaction.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2021.2011808 .

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety
  • Humans
  • Mindfulness* / methods
  • Orgasm
  • Self Concept
  • Sexual Behavior