Abstract

Recent studies are beginning to show evidence of marital problems for couples that have engaged in early premarital sexual activity compared to those who do not. Adult attachment theory plays an important role in explaining many kinds of distress for couples and helps explain sexual interaction, thus, in this study it is posited that attachment may influence sexual timing patterns. This study focuses on the relationship between insecure attachment styles and early premarital sexual timing. The sample consisted of 256 couples who took the Relationship Evaluation (RELATE) to measure their attachment styles and sexual timing while controlling for length of relationship, religiosity, education and age, which may be related to sexual timing. Models were tested for males and females separately using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results showed a significant, positive relationship between female anxious attachment and early sexual timing. Results also showed a significant negative relationship between female avoidant attachment and early sexual timing. No results showed significant relationships between male insecure attachment and sexual timing. Implications for couples, clinicians and educators are discussed.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life; Marriage and Family Therapy

Rights

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