The Relationship Among Sexual Communication Satisfaction, Attachment Security, and Relationship Satisfaction in Long Distance Relationships

Brogan L Crosby, Purdue University

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship among sexual communication satisfaction, attachment security, and relationship satisfaction in long distance relationships (LDRs). Due to the number of LDRs increasing in the United States, it is important to better understand factors that may contribute to relationship satisfaction. Utilizing attachment theory, it was hypothesized that high attachment security and greater sexual communication satisfaction would lead to increased relationship satisfaction, with a greater importance of sex impacting both attachment security and sexual communication satisfaction. Additionally, it was hypothesized that high attachment security would lead to greater sexual communication satisfaction and greater sexual communication satisfaction would lead to high attachment security. This study found that attachment security positively predicts both sexual communication satisfaction and relationship satisfaction in LDRs; sexual communication satisfaction positively predicts attachment security, as well as relationship satisfaction when attachment security is taken into account. While several hypotheses were not supported, the overall findings from the study reveal the importance of clinicians utilizing attachment theory as a framework to understanding LDRs and help them to create and maintain attachment security.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Nalbone, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Counseling Psychology

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