Adult attachment styles: Relationships with marital and sexual satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between married adults' attachment styles and their levels of sexual and marital satisfaction. Research has indicated individuals with secure attachment styles express higher levels of marital and sexual satisfaction than those with insecure attachment styles, as well as more effective communication and emotional regulation.;The self-report survey was completed by 30 couples recruited through non-probability methods. The results indicated that individuals with secure attachment styles had consistently higher levels of marital and sexual satisfaction than those with dismissive styles. Some of these comparisons reached or neared statistical significance.;Future research in this area could focus on aspects of diversity, including sexual orientation and ethnicity. Implications for social work practice and policy include elevating awareness of the effects of attachment styles on marital functioning through the establishment of training programs. Higher functioning marriages create healthier environments for children and families.