How does sexual activity facilitate emotional coping during life stressors or major transitions?
Sexual activity can be an important part of coping with difficult life events such as divorce, loss of a loved one, job loss, financial difficulties, or moving to a new home. Research suggests that it can help people feel more connected to their partner and less alone, which may provide comfort and support during challenging times. In addition to reducing stress hormones like cortisol, engaging in physical intimacy releases endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, and testosterone, chemicals that promote wellbeing and improve mood. This can lead to increased feelings of closeness, trust, and attachment between partners. Sex also provides distraction from negative thoughts and worries, allowing individuals to focus on pleasure and connection instead.
Research has shown that couples who have frequent sex are better able to manage anxiety and depression symptoms. The type of sexual activity matters too; some studies suggest that non-penetrative activities like kissing, cuddling, massage, or oral stimulation are particularly effective for managing stress.
Having regular sexual encounters with a partner can increase overall resilience and ability to cope with life's challenges.
References
* Meston, C.M., & Buss, D.M. (2015). Why humans have sex. In T. Platek, S. Shackelford, & E. Fisher (Eds.), The evolutionary psychology of human mate choice: Perspectives on the evolution of human mating systems (pp. 397-416). New York, NY: Routledge.
* Loving, A.S., & McCarthy, K.A. (2018). Associations between stress, coping strategies, and sexual frequency among young adult women in romantic relationships. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 39(1), 3-8.
* Olausson, P., Lindström, K., & Ljótsson, B. (2014). The role of oxytocin in affect regulation: An integrative review of clinical and preclinical literature. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 35(4), 414-422.
How does sexual activity facilitate emotional coping during life stressors or major transitions?
Sexual activity is thought to be beneficial for emotional wellbeing as it can help individuals cope with stress and anxiety. The act of intimacy can release endorphins and oxytocin, which are hormones that promote feelings of relaxation and contentment.