Evolved to be connected: the dynamics of attachment and sex over the course of romantic relationships
- PMID: 29486255
- DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.02.005
Evolved to be connected: the dynamics of attachment and sex over the course of romantic relationships
Abstract
Sexual urges and emotional attachments are not always connected. Still, joint operation of the sexual and the attachment systems is typical of romantic relationships. Hence, within this context, the two systems mutually influence each other and operate together to affect relationship well-being. In this article, we review evidence indicating that sex promotes enduring bonds between partners and provide an overview of the contribution of attachment processes to understanding the sex-relationship linkage. We then present a model delineating the functional significance of sex in relationship development. We conclude by suggesting future directions for studying the dual potential of sex for either deepening attachment to a current valued partner or promoting a new relationship when the existing relationship has become less rewarding.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Similar articles
-
The Fragile Spell of Desire: A Functional Perspective on Changes in Sexual Desire Across Relationship Development.Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2018 May;22(2):101-127. doi: 10.1177/1088868317715350. Epub 2017 Jun 23. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2018. PMID: 28645226
-
Romantic love and sexual desire in close relationships.Emotion. 2006 May;6(2):163-79. doi: 10.1037/1528-3542.6.2.163. Emotion. 2006. PMID: 16768550
-
Perceiving gratitude from a romantic partner predicts decreases in attachment anxiety.Dev Psychol. 2019 Dec;55(12):2692-2700. doi: 10.1037/dev0000830. Epub 2019 Sep 12. Dev Psychol. 2019. PMID: 31512890
-
Physical separation in adult attachment relationships.Curr Opin Psychol. 2019 Feb;25:144-147. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.06.007. Epub 2018 Jul 3. Curr Opin Psychol. 2019. PMID: 30029044 Review.
-
The Psychology of Close Relationships: Fourteen Core Principles.Annu Rev Psychol. 2017 Jan 3;68:383-411. doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044038. Epub 2016 Sep 1. Annu Rev Psychol. 2017. PMID: 27618945 Review.
Cited by
-
Relational needs frustration: an observational study on the role of negative (dis)engaging emotions.Front Psychol. 2023 Nov 23;14:1232125. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1232125. eCollection 2023. Front Psychol. 2023. PMID: 38078212 Free PMC article.
-
Navigating Love in a Post-Pandemic World: Understanding Young Adults' Views on Short- and Long-Term Romantic Relationships.Arch Sex Behav. 2024 Feb;53(2):497-510. doi: 10.1007/s10508-023-02738-9. Epub 2023 Nov 20. Arch Sex Behav. 2024. PMID: 37985563
-
(Un)forgotten Sex Lives During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Coping Strategies That Work and the Role of Experience.Arch Sex Behav. 2023 Nov;52(8):3343-3363. doi: 10.1007/s10508-023-02630-6. Epub 2023 Jul 5. Arch Sex Behav. 2023. PMID: 37407891
-
What potential traits do adolescents and early adults look for in mate preferences?Heliyon. 2022 Dec 8;8(12):e12169. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12169. eCollection 2022 Dec. Heliyon. 2022. PMID: 36561697 Free PMC article.
-
Why do you have sex and does it make you feel better? Integrating attachment theory, sexual motives, and sexual well-being in long-term couples.J Soc Pers Relat. 2022 Dec;39(12):3753-3774. doi: 10.1177/02654075221108759. Epub 2022 Jun 28. J Soc Pers Relat. 2022. PMID: 36398166 Free PMC article.
Publication types
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources