Sexual self-concept, sexual satisfaction, and attachment among single and coupled individuals

The aim of this study was to examine the moderating role of attachment styles among single and coupled participants (N = 632) in the associations between sexual self-concept (sexual self-esteem, sexual depression, and sexual preoccupation) and sexual satisfaction. The results indicated lower sexual self-esteem and sexual satisfaction and higher sexual depression and avoidant attachment among singles, as compared to coupled participants. Furthermore, in coupled participants (securely, anxiously, and avoidantly attached), sexual self-esteem and sexual depression were predictors of sexual satisfaction. Among securely, fearfully, and avoidantly attached singles, sexual self-esteem was a predictor of sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction was also predicted by sexual preoccupation among avoidantly attached singles. Finally, the only predictor of sexual satisfaction among anxiously attached singles was sexual depression.