Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8865-8021

Date Available

5-15-2024

Year of Publication

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science in Family Sciences (MSFS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Family Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Nathan D. Wood

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxious attachment and adult sexual behaviors. The study utilized pairfam, a nationally representative German sample, as a secondary data set for its quantitative analysis. Participants responded to two anxious attachment scales and questions regarding sexual desire, sexual confidence, and age at first sexual experiences. Analyzing data from 5561 individuals, averaging 29.27 years old, a path analysis was conducted to assess variable effects. Findings indicate that higher anxious attachment correlates with reduced sexual confidence and earlier onset of sexual intercourse. Future studies should investigate additional attachment scales and include a more diverse range of participant demographics. In a clinical context, it is suggested to prioritize attachment anxiety treatment during therapy sessions. Further research should also consider comparing self-reports with partner perceptions and examining the relationship between sexual desire and age at first intercourse.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2024.181

Funding Information

This paper uses data from the German Family Panel pairfam, coordinated by Josef Brüderl, Sonja Drobnič, Karsten Hank, Johannes Huinink, Bernhard Nauck, Franz J. Neyer, and Sabine Walper. From 2004 to 2022 pairfam was funded as priority program and long-term project by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

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