Attachment Style, Emotion Dysregulation and Sexual Satisfaction Among Polyamorous and Non-polyamorous Individuals

Abstract

AbstractTo date, little is known about the psychological functioning of polyamorous individuals about the variables explaining positive attitudes towards polyamory. This study aims to investigate the constructs of attachment, emotion regulation and sexual satisfaction in polyamory. Self-report questionnaires were administered to a sample of adults reporting to be polylovers (n = 76) and to a sample of non-polylovers (n = 102). Polyamorous individuals, compared to controls, scored significantly higher on sexual satisfaction and dysregulation of positive emotions. Moreover, positive attitudes towards polyamory correlated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction. However, this relationship was moderated by the dimension of avoidant attachment.