Previous research examining overall relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and
sexual satisfaction among heterosexual women is well-documented. The theoretical foundation
of attachment has also been well-established within relationship research among heterosexual
women. However, little to no published reports examine such variables among women currently
in same-sex relationships. Furthermore, virtually no reports assess for any differences in
attachment identity based on the gender of women's romantic partners. This study therefore
sought to identify any interrelationships between relationship satisfaction, relationship
commitment, sexual satisfaction, and attachment identity (measured using the dimensions of
avoidance and anxiety) among two groups of women based on their partner's gender: (1) women
partnered with women and (2) women partnered with men. This study also examined partner
gender as a predictor of the aforementioned variables. One-hundred-sixty-six women currently in
romantic partnerships completed an online survey. Partner gender was found to be independent
of attachment dimensions. Significant, positive correlations emerged between relationship
satisfaction, relationship commitment, and sexual satisfaction between both groups of women.
Attachment-related anxiety was found to be a successful predictor of overall lower levels of
relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and sexual satisfaction between both groups
of women, whereas attachment-related avoidance was found to successfully predict lower levels
of sexual satisfaction between both groups. These findings are further discussed in the context of
previous research, limitations, and clinical implications for direct practice.
