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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0481-6149
Date of Graduation
5-11-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
Debbie C. Sturm
A. Renee Staton
Robin D. Anderson
Abstract
The aim of this quantitative research study was to investigate the interplay between attachment orientation and subscales of sexual self-concept among an exclusively LGBTGEQIAP+ adult sample. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient was computed to examine attachment anxiety and avoidance with four subscales of sexual self-concept including, sexual motivation, sexual satisfaction, sexual consciousness, and sexual monitoring. The purpose of this study was two-fold—to compare findings with non-LGBTGEQIAP+ samples and provide new data. The relationships between attachment insecurity (i.e., anxious and avoidant attachment) and sexual motivation and satisfaction were compared to prior findings in the literature. Each test was statistically significant and negatively correlated, indicating congruence and incongruence with prior research. The other two dependent variables, sexual consciousness and monitoring, presented novel, statistically significant findings. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were negatively correlated to sexual consciousness, whereas sexual monitoring was positively correlated to both. This study supports attachment and sexuality research, while also summoning further investigations to explore the diversity among sexual, romantic, biological, and gender identities. Clinical, research, and counselor education implications were examined. Adding gradience and complexity to the multidimensional nature of attachment, sexuality, and identities of LGBTGEQIAP+ clients is essential to acquire a richer understanding of the community’s experiences and to inform counseling theories, techniques, and interventions.
Recommended Citation
Fleitas, Karli M., "Affectionately attached: The impact of attachment styles on sexual self-concept among adults who identify as LGBTGEQIAP+" (2023). Dissertations, 2020-current. 124.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/diss202029/124
