Date of Award

August 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Alan R. King

Abstract

Sexual compliance is defined as consenting to sexual acts despite not wanting to have sex. Even though sexual compliance behavior has been associated with a multitude of adverse outcomes, it remains an understudied sexual behavior. Previous research has suggested people with insecure attachment (i.e., avoidant, anxious, and disorganized attachment styles) may be more likely to engage in sexual compliance than their securely attached counterparts. Results from the current study found attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance, significantly predicted sexual compliance behavior. Gender and generalized anxiety symptoms also emerged as significant predictors of sexual compliance behavior. This study also sought to extend the current research literature by introducing an experimental component that would test whether induced feelings of security could cause participants to be less likely to engage in sexual compliance. No significant effects were found for this experimental manipulation. Further, this study sought to clarify whether sexual compliance predicted relationship outcomes. While attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance both negatively predicted sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, sexual compliance did not significantly predict either of these relationship outcomes. Findings from this study may have clinical implications for better understanding individuals who engage in sexual compliance.

Download

Share

COinS