title: Relationship Attachment Styles in a Sample of Hypersexual Patients.
abstract: Some authors theorize that relationship attachment difficulties play an etiological role in the development of hypersexual behavior. The research in support of this theory is plagued by small sample sizes and analyses that are limited to averages within 4 forced-choice categories of attachment. The present study seeks to further the understanding of relationship attachment styles and hypersexual behavior by analyzing both categorical and dimensional measures of attachment among a large sample of men (N = 136) seeking treatment for excessive sexual behaviors. Many, but not all, subjects reported attachment difficulties. Using cluster analysis, 4 distinct clusters appeared to be unique on measures of attachment, demographics, and shame proneness. The utility of the categorical versus the dimensional model of attachment, as well as the assessment and treatment implications for hypersexual behavior, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Brigham Young University , Provo , Utah , USA.
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gilliland
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blue Star
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carpenter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012752:Shame