Adult Attachment and Sexual Functioning: A Review of Past Research

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe association between adult attachment and sexual functioning is an important area of research. However, there has been no previous attempt to systematically review the available literature between these dimensions, and how their interrelationships may vary within different populations.AimTo provide an in‐depth critical investigation of the literature on the association between adult attachment and sexual functioning (satisfaction, dysfunction, and behaviors).MethodsA systematic literature review of research reported in PsychINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection from January 1, 1990 to November 8, 2011.ResultsThe results demonstrated that higher levels of anxious and avoidant attachment were related to less satisfying sexual relationships, higher levels of sexual dysfunction, and different sexual intercourse frequencies and motivations for sex.ConclusionsThere is a need for further research to target the sexual functioning of males and to incorporate representative samples (ethnicity, sexual orientation, and relationship status) into the analyses. Moreover, measurement of sexual behavior needs to encompass a range of sexual functioning variables. Stefanou C and McCabe MP. Adult attachment and sexual functioning: A review of past research. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.