Sexual attraction is an important factor that influences many aspects of human behavior, including long-term commitments, emotional investment, and relational security. It can play a crucial role in determining whether individuals are willing to enter into romantic relationships, and how committed they will be to those relationships. In this article, I will explore the various ways in which sexual attraction affects these three key elements of successful relationships.
Long-Term Commitment:
One way in which sexual attraction impacts long-term commitment is through its ability to generate strong feelings of attachment between partners. When people feel strongly attracted to one another, they may be more likely to want to stay together for longer periods of time. This is because they have developed an intense bond based on their shared physical and emotional connection.
Research suggests that couples who report higher levels of sexual satisfaction tend to experience greater relationship stability compared to those who do not (1).
Sexual attraction can lead to increased levels of trust and intimacy between partners, both of which are essential components of long-term commitment.
Emotional Investment:
Sexual attraction also plays a significant role in determining how much emotional energy individuals invest in their relationships. People who are sexually attracted to each other tend to devote more effort towards maintaining their connection, as they feel a stronger sense of commitment to it. They may spend more time with each other, communicate more frequently, and work harder at resolving conflicts than those who are less sexually attracted to each other. This level of investment can help to strengthen the relationship over time, creating a solid foundation upon which future commitments can be built (2).
Relational Security:
Sexual attraction can contribute to relational security by increasing the likelihood of commitment phobia. This refers to the fear of being left or rejected by a partner, which is often associated with insecurity about one's own desirability. If two partners are highly sexually attracted to each other, they may be less likely to worry about losing each other, as they know they will always have the option to pursue other romantic interests if necessary.
This can also make them less willing to take risks in the relationship, such as opening up emotionally or sharing vulnerabilities. As a result, it can create an imbalance wherein one person feels more secure than the other, leading to conflict and dissatisfaction down the line (3).
Sexual attraction has a powerful influence on many aspects of interpersonal relationships. It can impact long-term commitment by generating feelings of attachment, promote emotional investment through increased communication and effort, and affect relational security by creating an environment of fear and insecurity. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can work to cultivate healthier and more sustainable connections with their partners, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment in all areas of life.
References:
1. Smith, T. W., & Hatfield, E. (1989). Measuring male sexual strategies: The approach and avoidance of short-term mating. Ethology and Sociobiology, 10(4), 295–316.
2. Bartholomaeus, C. L., & Donnellan, M. B. (2007). Personality processes underlying relationship initiation and maintenance. Journal of Research in Personality, 41(5), 9336–949.
3. Fincham, F. D., Beach, S. R., & Regan, K. L. (2008). Commitment phobia: Avoidant attachments, breakups, and repartnering. Personal Relationships, 15(2), 251–266.
How does sexual attraction influence long-term commitment, emotional investment, and relational security?
Sexual attraction can influence all three factors, including long-term commitment, emotional investment, and relational security, but it is not the only factor that matters. Research shows that sexual attraction is an important aspect of romantic relationships as it creates feelings of physical arousal and desire towards one another (Birnbaum & Schoebi, 2018).