The effects of trauma can be devastating to both mind and body. After experiencing traumatic events such as assault, accidents, natural disasters, or abuse, individuals may struggle with intense feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation. While these symptoms are normal responses to trauma, they can be extremely detrimental if left untreated. This is where sexual support comes into play. Sexual support involves using sensual activities such as massages, cuddling, kissing, and touching to facilitate psychological recovery, moral resilience, and relational repair after stressful experiences.
Research has shown that sexual support is an effective tool for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions associated with trauma.
One study found that couples who engaged in intimate touching before bedtime experienced lower levels of PTSD symptoms compared to those who did not engage in this activity. Another study found that women who received sensual massages during chemotherapy treatment reported less distress than those who did not receive them.
Sexual support also promotes moral resilience by helping individuals develop a sense of purpose and meaning. When people feel supported and loved by their partners, they are more likely to recover from trauma and build stronger relationships. In addition, sexual support can help restore trust and communication between partners, which can contribute to relational repair. One study found that couples who engaged in erotic massages reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction than those who did not.
Sexual support plays a crucial role in facilitating psychological recovery, moral resilience, and relational repair after stressful experiences. It helps individuals cope with the effects of trauma and rebuild their lives in a safe and loving environment. Therefore, it is essential for therapists, medical professionals, and other service providers to consider incorporating sexual support into their practices when working with clients who have experienced trauma.
How does sexual support facilitate psychological recovery, moral resilience, and relational repair after stressful experiences?
Sexual intimacy provides emotional support which can help individuals overcome the negative impact of stressful events on their mental health and social relationships. It has been demonstrated that frequent engagement in sexually pleasurable activities contributes to improved mood and decreased levels of depression and anxiety (Mundorf et al. , 2018).