When people experience chronic stress, their bodies enter a state of heightened alertness known as "fight-or-flight." This response is designed to help them survive immediate threats, such as predators or danger. But when it's activated for prolonged periods without an actual threat present, it can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. One area that is particularly affected by chronic stress is relationships, including those between partners.
Chronic stress can gradually alter sexual responsiveness, emotional attunement, and long-term relational expectations in several ways. Firstly, it can lead to reduced libido or interest in sex. This happens because chronic stress reduces levels of the hormone testosterone, which plays a role in sexual desire and arousal.
Chronic stress can cause changes in brain chemistry that make it more difficult for individuals to feel pleasure during sex.
Chronic stress can also affect emotional attunement in relationships. Stress can cause individuals to become less attentive to their partner's needs and feelings, leading to communication breakdowns and misunderstandings. It can also increase irritability and impatience, making it harder for partners to connect emotionally with one another. Chronic stress can also reduce the level of oxytocin, a hormone involved in bonding and social behavior, further undermining intimacy and connection.
Chronic stress can shape long-term relational expectations.
Individuals may begin to expect stressful situations to occur regularly in their relationship, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. This can lead to a cycle of negativity and conflict, where partners start to view each other as sources of stress rather than support. As a result, they may become less invested in the relationship, leading to a decrease in overall satisfaction and commitment.
Chronic stress can have a significant impact on all aspects of a romantic relationship, including sexual responsiveness, emotional attunement, and long-term relational expectations. By understanding these effects, couples can work together to address them and improve their relationship over time.
How does chronic stress, unrelated to the relationship, gradually alter sexual responsiveness, emotional attunement, and long-term relational expectations?
Chronic stress can significantly impact an individual's sexual responsiveness, emotional attunement, and long-term relational expectations due to its physiological effects on the brain and body. Chronic stress is associated with increased cortisol levels that can impair neuroplasticity, resulting in decreased brain function related to sexual motivation, desire, arousal, and orgasm (Shackleton et al. , 2019).