Positive Body Image and Sexual Functioning in Dutch Female University Students: The Role of Adult Romantic Attachment

Archives of Sexual Behavior
Femke van den BrinkLiesbeth Woertman

Abstract

This study focused on links between romantic attachment, positive body image, and sexual functioning. Dutch female university students (N = 399) completed an online survey that included self-report items about body appreciation, sexual functioning, and romantic attachment. A proposed conceptual model was tested using structural equation modeling and a good fit to the data was found. Results revealed that attachment avoidance in a romantic context was negatively related to sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, the ability to reach orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. Attachment anxiety was negatively related to body appreciation which, in turn, was positively related to sexual desire and arousal. Findings indicated that romantic attachment is meaningfully linked to body appreciation and sexual functioning. Therefore, the concept of adult attachment may be a useful tool for the treatment of sexual problems of young women.

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Sep 12, 2012·Journal of Sex Research·Femke van den BrinkLiesbeth Woertman

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Citations

Jun 17, 2016·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Emily Ann HarrisFiona Kate Barlow
Apr 6, 2017·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Anne-Rose Robbins, Elke D Reissing
Jan 3, 2019·The Journal of Psychology·Delia VîrgăCoralia Sulea

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