The magnetism that holds us together: Sexuality and relationship maintenance across relationship development

Gurit E. Birnbaum*, Eli J. Finkel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

The sexual system evolved to motivate reproductive acts. As such, its manifestations (e.g., sexual desire and behavior) are not necessarily related to emotional attachments. Still, within romantic relationships, sexual desire can motivate the attachment bonding process and lead to intensely meaningful experiences that affect the quality of a relationship and its fate. In this article, we review published evidence indicating that sex promotes enduring bonds between sexual partners. We then introduce a relationship stage model that delineates the functional significance of sexual desire in relationship development. This model suggests that although sexual desire influences the initiation, development, and maintenance of attachment bonds, the contribution that it makes varies over the course of relationship development and across individuals and circumstances.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-33
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent opinion in psychology
Volume1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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