Attachment orientation moderates the sexual and relational implications of sexual desire discrepancies

We examined the degree and direction of sexual desire discrepancies (SDD) between partners and how this relates to sexual function, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction in 100 Saudi Arabian couples, taking into account both partners' attachment orientation. Men and women reported better outcomes when they matched on higher levels of sexual desire. In case of a mismatch, women reported higher sexual satisfaction when their partner's level of sexual desire was higher than their own. Attachment anxiety and avoidance moderated the associations between SDD and the outcome variables. This study offers unique information on SDD in couples with strong gender role expectations and cultural restrictions regarding sexuality. Therapeutic interventions should be directed at understanding the attachment meaning of sexual desire.