The relationship between
sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples has been frequently
discussed in clinical literature but lacks empirical support. This exploratory
study investigates the associations between individual and dyadic levels of
sexual desire, differentiation of self, and couple satisfaction.
Similarities
and discrepancies in sexual desire and differentiation of self between partners
were especially targeted. Partners were expected to have a lower discrepancy of
differentiation of self than unrelated individuals (Bowen's similarity
hypothesis). Partners’ discrepancy in differentiation of self was expected to
be negatively associated with sexual desire, and higher levels of sexual desire
and differentiation in the dyad were expected be positively associated with
couple satisfaction.
Results suggest that partners’ similarity regarding
differentiation of self predicted individual sexual desire. Other findings
suggest that couple satisfaction was positively associated with both sexual
desire and differentiation of self. Limitations and clinical implications are
discussed.
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- a Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- b Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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