Attachment Style, Tinder Use, and Permissive Sexual Attitude

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance plays a significant role in the development, maintenance, and satisfaction of adult romantic relationships (Hazan & Shaver, 1994). Technology has afforded individuals new ways to connect with potential romantic partners and Tinder is one of the most widely used mobile dating applications. The present study investigated the role of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on Tinder use. In addition, the effects of permissive sexual attitude on attachment orientation and Tinder use was explored. The relationship between gender and permissive sexual attitude was also explored. Results indicated that attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance was related to relationship seeking on Tinder. Additionally, gender was found to relate to permissive sexual attitude but did not moderate a relationship between attachment and sexual behavior on Tinder. Furthermore, no relationship was found between attachment avoidance and sexual behavior on Tinder, and no indirect mediation effect for permissive sexual attitude was found between attachment avoidance and sexual behavior on Tinder. Lastly, no relationship between attachment anxiety and frequency of Tinder use was found.