How Marital Conflict Influences Sexual Desire and Intimacy
Marriage is one of the most important human institutions, which has a huge impact on almost all aspects of our lives, including sex. Sexual desires are an integral part of a healthy marriage and they play a significant role in keeping a couple together for a longer time.
Marital conflicts can significantly affect sexual desires and intimacy, leading to a decrease in both. This article will discuss how these factors interfere with each other.
One of the primary causes of this relationship between conflict and sex is stress. When couples argue with each other, it creates tension and anxiety in their minds that can lead them to feel less interested in having sex. The reason behind this is that during fights, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which helps us deal with fear and anxiety. As a result, we become more focused on survival than pleasure. Another factor that reduces sexual desire due to conflict is anger. Anger towards your partner makes you focus on negative feelings instead of positive ones, making it difficult to enjoy physical intimacy.
Feeling resentful or unhappy about something can also reduce sexual arousal.
Intimacy is another crucial aspect of a healthy marriage, and when it declines, so does sexual satisfaction. It happens because people tend to avoid closeness with someone who has hurt them emotionally, physically, or psychologically. This behavior results from a natural defense mechanism called 'avoidance.' Therefore, if you're experiencing too much conflict with your spouse, you may try to stay away from each other even while being in the same room. Besides, the emotional disconnection caused by arguments prevents couples from connecting sexually and enjoying their bonding experience.
There are certain strategies that can help improve marital conflicts and boost sexual desires and intimacy.
Talking openly and honestly about problems before they turn into bigger issues can be helpful. Couples must also learn how to communicate effectively without hurting one another's feelings. Also, taking time out for romantic activities, such as dinners or date nights, can make both partners feel appreciated and loved again.
Marriage is an essential part of human life that brings happiness but also involves stressors that impact its different aspects, including sexuality and intimacy. While marital conflicts cause stress and anxiety, which reduces sexual desire, intimacy suffers due to avoidance and emotional distance.
Using effective communication techniques, taking time out together, and resolving conflicts early on can positively affect these two vital elements of marriage.
How does marital conflict influence sexual desire and intimacy?
Research has shown that marital conflict can have significant effects on both sexual desire and intimacy. Studies indicate that high levels of marital discord can lead to reduced frequency of sexual activity, decreased satisfaction with one's partner and relationship, and increased dissatisfaction with overall sex life. Marital conflict is also associated with lower levels of relationship commitment and intimacy, which can further reduce sexual motivation and desirability.