TTLV. The relationship between attachment style and sexual satisfaction: The mediating role of sexual communication

MASTER'S THESIS INFORMATION

1. Student's full name:Nguyen Phuong Thao2. Gender: Female

3. Date of birth: 31/07/2001

4. Place of birth:Bac Ninh

5. Decision to recognize student number5410/QD-XHNV dated December 21, 2023 of the President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process:Do not have

7. Thesis topic name:The relationship between attachment style and sexual satisfaction: The mediating role of sexual communication

8. Major:Psychology (Research Orientation); Code: 8310401

9. Scientific instructor:Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Luot; Faculty of Psychology; University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

10. Summary of the results of the thesis

            The results of the study showed that secure attachment style had the highest proportion, followed by anxious attachment and avoidant attachment. Sexual communication was rated at a fairly average level, with differences between age groups and gender. Sexual satisfaction also varied according to demographic factors, in which groups with secure attachment style and effective communication tended to have higher satisfaction levels. Correlation analysis and mediation models confirmed the positive relationship between secure attachment and sexual satisfaction, while revealing the negative impact of avoidant attachment. In particular, sexual communication played an important mediating role in the relationship between attachment style and sexual satisfaction. Specifically, secure attachment promoted open communication, thereby enhancing sexual satisfaction. In contrast, avoidant attachment reduced the quality of communication, leading to lower satisfaction levels.

The results of this study have contributed to strengthening previous theoretical arguments about the relationship between variables, and at the same time expanding the understanding of them in the context of Vietnamese culture. Thereby, the study emphasizes the essential role of sexual communication as a mechanism for regulating emotions and enhancing connection in couple relationships. It can be seen that sexual communication is not only a means of exchanging information but also an indicator of secure attachment and sexual satisfaction in intimate relationships of adults.

11. Practical application

Sex education and couples counseling programs should incorporate content on attachment style identification and the development of positive sexual communication skills.

In marriage counseling and sex therapy, professionals need to pay attention to each individual's attachment style and communication skills, thereby supporting couples to understand and adjust expectations, reduce avoidance, increase sharing, healthy interaction and consent in sexual relationships.

In addition, mass media, organizations and health and social issues workshops can work together to reduce stigma and increase acceptance of sexuality as a natural part of human life, thereby facilitating individuals to be more open about sexual communication and encouraging them to seek psychological support when necessary.

12. Further research directions

Apply longitudinal designs or daily experience diaries, or qualitative methods to explore subjects' individualized experiences of sexuality in specific socio-cultural contexts.

Consider expanding the sample to include more diversity in age, region, education level, marital status, and sexual orientation; as well as in the couple's stages such as marriage, pregnancy, or becoming a father…

Potential moderators such as relationship length, sexual frequency, consent, and level of emotional intimacy should also be incorporated into the research model, to gain a deeper understanding of intrinsic motivation influencing sexual satisfaction.

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name:Nguyen Phuong Thao2. Sex:Female

3. Date of birth: 31/07/2001                                

4. Place of birth:Bac Ninh

5. Admission decision number:5410/QD-XHNV; Dated December 21, 2023, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in academic process:None

7. Official thesis title:The relationship between attachment styles and sexual satisfaction: The mediating role of sexual communication

8. Major:Psychology (Research-Oriented) 9. Code: 8310401

9. Supervisors:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Luot; Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

10. Summary of the findings of the thesis 

Research findings indicate that the secure attachment style is the most prevalent, followed by anxious and avoidant attachment. Sexual communication is rated at a moderately good level, with variations across age groups and genders. Sexual satisfaction also fluctuates based on demographic factors, with individuals exhibiting secure attachment and effective communication typically reporting higher satisfaction levels. Correlation and mediation analyzes confirm the positive relationship between secure attachment and sexual satisfaction, while also revealing the negative impact of avoidant attachment. Notably, sexual communication plays a significant mediating role in the link between attachment styles and sexual satisfaction. Strictly, secure attachment fosters open communication, thereby enhancing sexual satisfaction. contrast, avoidant attachment diminishes communication quality, leading to lower satisfaction levels.

These findings strengthen existing theoretical arguments about the relationships between these variables while expanding insights into their dynamics within the Vietnamese cultural context. The study highlights the essential role of sexual communication as a mechanism for emotional regulation and strengthening relational bonds in couples. It is evident that sexual communication is not merely an information-exchange tool but also an indicator of secure attachment and sexual satisfaction in adult intimate relationships.

11. Practical applicability

Curriculum integration. Embed attachment-style assessment and skills for positive sexual communication into sex-education programs and couple-counselling services.

Therapeutic focus. In marital counseling and sex therapy, clinicians should evaluate each partner's attachment profile and communicative competence, then help couples recalibrate expectations, curb avoidance, and enhance disclosure, mutuality, and sexual consent.

Public outreach: Coordinated efforts by mass media, civic organizations, and health-education forums can reduce sexual stigma, normalize sexuality as a natural life domain, and foster environments where individuals feel comfortable discussing matters and seeking psychological support.

12. Further research directions

Design enhancements: Employ longitudinal, daily-diary, or qualitative methods to capture personalized sexual experiences within specific sociocultural contexts.

Sample diversification: Extend recruitment to varied ages, regions, education levels, marital statuses, sexual orientations, and relationship phases (eg, newlywed, expectant, new parents).

Moderator inclusion. Integrate duration, sexual frequency, consensuality, and emotional intimacy as potential moderators to clarify the intrinsic drivers of sexual satisfaction.