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

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

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 numberDecision No. 5410/QD-XHNV dated December 21, 2023, of the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process:Do not have

7. Thesis title:The link between attachment style and sexual satisfaction: The mediating role of sexual communication.

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

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

10. Summary of the thesis results

            The study results indicate that secure attachment is the most prevalent, followed by anxious attachment and avoidant attachment. Sexual communication was rated as moderately good, with differences between age groups and genders. Sexual satisfaction also varied across demographic factors, with groups exhibiting secure attachment and effective communication generally achieving higher levels of satisfaction. Correlation analysis and mediating models confirmed the positive relationship between secure attachment and sexual satisfaction, while revealing the negative impact of avoidant attachment. Specifically, sexual communication played a crucial mediating role in the relationship between attachment style and sexual satisfaction. Secure attachment fostered open communication, thereby enhancing sexual satisfaction. Conversely, 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, broadening the understanding of them in the context of Vietnamese culture. Thereby, the study emphasizes the essential role of sexual communication as a mechanism of emotional regulation and strengthening connection in couple relationships. It can be seen that sexual communication is not only a means of information exchange but also an indicator of secure attachment and sexual satisfaction in intimate relationships of adults.

11. Practical applicability

Sex education and couples counseling programs should incorporate content on identifying attachment styles and developing positive sexual communication skills.

In marriage counseling and sex therapy, professionals need to consider each individual's attachment style and communication skills to help couples understand and adjust expectations, reduce avoidance, and enhance sharing, healthy interaction, and consent in their sexual relationship.

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

Vertical design or daily experience journaling, or qualitative methods, are used to explore the individualized experiences of subjects regarding sexuality within specific socio-cultural contexts.

Consider expanding the sample to include a wider range of demographics such as age, region, education level, marital status, and sexual orientation; as well as different stages of a couple's life such as marriage, pregnancy, or becoming a father…

Potential moderating factors such as relationship duration, frequency of sexual intercourse, consent, and level of emotional intimacy should also be integrated into the research model to gain a deeper understanding of the intrinsic motivations 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 integrated. 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.