Sexuality has been studied extensively for its relationship to physical and mental health. In particular, it is known that emotional closeness and social support are protective factors against stressful events, which may be mediated through physiological mechanisms.
There have been very few studies investigating whether close sexual relationships can also provide such protection. One recent study conducted among Israeli soldiers found that men who reported more frequent sexual activity prior to deployment experienced less trauma symptoms after combat exposure than their counterparts who had less frequent sexual activity, supporting this hypothesis. This paper will explore how sexual closeness could act as a buffer against anxiety during combat situations, drawing on literature from different fields.
Theoretical background
Research suggests that interpersonal closeness is related to lower levels of distress, both through direct effects (e.g., having someone to confide in) and indirect effects (e.g., reduced physiological reactivity), particularly under stressful conditions. Closeness is a subjective experience involving an individual's sense of being connected to others, which can include emotional, physical, or social intimacy. It varies across contexts, but is often characterized by a feeling of safety, trust, and commitment. Interpersonal closeness has repeatedly shown to reduce psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are multiple ways that closeness may buffer against stressors. One mechanism involves lowering physiological arousal. Physiological responses to stress involve activation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, respiration, and cortisol levels. Studies have consistently shown that individuals with stronger social support exhibit greater cardiovascular stability under stressful situations.
One study showed that college students experiencing a public speaking task demonstrated higher heart rates when they felt socially isolated compared to when they felt supported by a friend. Another study found that individuals with more close relationships had lower baseline blood pressure than those without such ties.
Close sexual relationships may also lead to reduced physiological responses to stress. A recent review indicated that close relationships were associated with lower activity of the amygdala (a key region involved in fear response), as well as greater activity of the prefrontal cortex (involved in executive function). In addition, oxytocin, a hormone released during sex and childbirth, has been linked to reducing stress reactivity. These effects could be particularly relevant for soldiers facing combat situations, given the high level of threat-related stimulation they encounter on a daily basis.
Empirical evidence
One study investigated whether sexual frequency prior to deployment predicted symptoms of PTSD and trauma exposure among Israeli soldiers. Participants included 230 male combatants who completed questionnaires assessing their sexual activity, relationship status, mental health, and traumatic experiences. The results revealed that men who reported frequent sexual activity before combat experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety after deployment, whereas men who reported infrequent or no sexual activity did not show this benefit. This suggests that sexual closeness provides resilience against stressors related to combat exposure.
Another study examined how emotional support mediates the link between social connection and PTSD symptoms. Participants included 659 US military personnel who completed measures assessing depression, anxiety, and social support from friends and family members. Results showed that higher levels of perceived emotional support from family and friends were associated with lower PTSD symptoms, but only among individuals reporting strong social connections. Similarly, an investigation of Israeli soldiers found that those with close relationships had better psychological outcomes, even when controlling for other forms of social support.
A third study explored how sexual intimacy influences physiological responses to stress in romantic partners. Participants were 100 married couples who engaged in either sexual intercourse or a control task (watching an educational video) while undergoing a stressful cold pressor task involving immersion of a hand in ice water. Those who had sex demonstrated greater cardiovascular stability than those who watched the video, particularly if they felt more secure in their relationship. These findings suggest that sexual intimacy may act as a buffer against stress-related physiological arousal.
Conclusions and implications
Evidence supports the idea that sexual closeness can serve as a protective factor against combat-related anxiety. This is consistent with previous research on how interpersonal closeness reduces stress more generally. Future studies should examine whether this effect extends to other types of traumatic exposure, such as natural disasters or medical illnesses. It could have important clinical applications for individuals facing trauma or other challenging situations, given its relatively simple nature and lack of invasiveness.
Can sexual closeness act as a buffer against combat-related anxiety?
Research suggests that sexual closeness can serve as an effective buffer against combat-related anxiety for some individuals, but the specific mechanisms behind this effect are not fully understood. Some studies have found that sexual activity before deployment can reduce physiological arousal during military training exercises, while others have suggested that feelings of emotional intimacy with one's partner may help individuals cope with the stressors of warfare.