The Mediating Role of Psychological Flexibility in the Relationship Between Sexual Dysfunction and Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20375342Keywords:
attachment styles, psychological flexibility, romantic relationships, sexual dysfunctionAbstract
The primary objective of this study is to examine the mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between sexual dysfunction and attachment styles in romantic relationships. The study was conducted using quantitative research methods within a correlational model. The study population consists of individuals living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus who are in romantic relationships. The sample was determined using purposive sampling and consists of a total of 418 participants aged 18 and older. The data collection process utilized the Socio-Demographic Information Form, the Psychological Flexibility Scale, the Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale, and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale. According to the findings, levels of sexual activity showed a significant negative correlation with secure attachment and a significant positive correlation with anxious-ambivalent attachment. It was observed that participants’ levels of sexual experience were significantly predicted in a negative direction by secure attachment and in a positive direction by anxious-ambivalent attachment; avoidant attachment, however, was not a significant predictor. Finally, no significant findings were obtained regarding the mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between attachment styles and levels of sexual experience. Future research is recommended to examine the mediating roles of variables such as emotion regulation and self-compassion in the relationship between attachment and sexual functioning, and to utilize longitudinal designs with clinical samples.
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