Attachment-based Pathological and Satisfaction Experiences in Sexual Relationships: A Qualitative Study based on the Perspective of Iranian Spouses

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

Authors

1 Ph.D. student University of Shahid Beheshti

2 Shahid Beheshti University

3 Associate Professor Iran University of Medical Sciences

4 Associate Professor Shahid Beheshti University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to “investigate the attachment-based pathological and satisfaction experiences in sexual relationship between Iranian spouses”. Sexual relationship has been considering as one of primary motivating factors bringing about innermost feelings and close relationships. A phenomenological qualitative method was adopted to meet the demands of study purposes. By means of purposive sampling method, twenty-four married couples with minimum length of marriage around three have participated in two groups of satisfied(self-report) and dissatisfied (in the first three sessions of the couple therapy process or in the legal process of divorce) couples. Using the Colizzi and the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methods, two main clusters of "Sex enhances couple relationship" and "relationship vulnerability Spouses of Sexual Separation" have been revealed. Eight sub-clusters have also discovered appositely. Findings of this study confirm that attachment theory strikingly provide a fundamental framework for a deeper understanding of spouses' sexual behaviors and experiences.

Keywords