Insecure Attachment Predicts Poor Sexual Communication Among Emerging Adults

Authors

• Carson T. O'Leary, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6211-5561

Abstract

Sexual communication significantly predicts sexual satisfaction within adult romantic relationships (Byers, 2011). Further, research has demonstrated that relationship satisfaction and relationship outcomes are positively influenced by sexual satisfaction (Anderson, 2012). Research regarding interest in promoting long-term romantic relationships should target sexuality-related concerns in romantic partners. Sexuality research grounded in attachment theory has provided promising results. Attachment theory hypothesizes that individuals develop an attachment style based on early life experiences with their caregiver(s). These styles strongly predict how individuals respond to loved ones, including romantic partners (Bell & Ainsworth, 2023). Research also suggests insecurely attached individuals struggle with effective communication in a plethora of domains, including sex. The current study investigated the association between attachment style and sexual communication in emerging adults (ages 18-25). Participants (N = 352) were sexually active undergraduate students from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The participants were either involved in a sexual relationship (e.g., hooking up) or in an exclusive romantic relationship (e.g., dating). Participants (84.9% female, 13.6% male, 1.4% gender diverse) completed an online survey measuring attachment style (i.e., anxious and avoidant attachment) and sexual communication. Results indicated that participants with an anxious attachment style engaged in worse sexual communication (r = .238, p < 0.001) while participants with an avoidant attachment style engaged in better sexual communication with their partner (r =.150, p = 0.327). Interventions may target sexual communication skills among emerging adults with insecure attachment styles to enhance sexual satisfaction and subsequently, relationship satisfaction.

Recommended Citation

O'Leary, Carson T. (2026) "Insecure Attachment Predicts Poor Sexual Communication Among Emerging Adults," Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee: Vol. 13 : Iss. 1 , Article 6.
https://doi.org/10.7290/pur13Bz2q
Available at: https://voljournals.utk.edu/pursuit/vol13/iss1/6