Sexual closeness has been shown to have several positive effects on an individual's wellbeing. According to research conducted by Dr. Susan Johnson, a clinical psychologist who specializes in couples therapy, "Couples can be more resilient if they are able to communicate their needs and desires clearly". When couples feel connected physically and emotionally, they tend to experience less fear and anxiety about everyday situations that arise in life.
This connection does not happen automatically; it requires effort from both partners. It takes time for couples to develop a strong sense of trust and intimacy that allows them to open up and share vulnerably with one another.
One way to build sexual closeness is through regular communication between partners. When two individuals communicate effectively and frequently, they understand each other better and learn how to support each other during difficult times.
When a partner is feeling stressed or anxious, the other person may offer comfort or reassurance through physical touch or verbal affirmation. This helps reduce stress levels while also fostering deeper connections between the couple. The more often these behaviors occur, the stronger the bond becomes.
In addition to communication, sexual closeness involves being comfortable with your partner enough to express yourself honestly. Sexual closeness includes physical touch such as hugging, kissing, holding hands, cuddling, caressing, and massaging. These activities help create feelings of safety and security within relationships. As couples engage in such activities regularly, they begin to trust each other more deeply and become more comfortable sharing personal thoughts and feelings. This increased level of honesty creates an emotional bond that strengthens over time.
Sex itself provides benefits beyond pleasure and relaxation. According to Dr. Johnson's research, "Sex releases oxytocin which reduces stress levels." Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter responsible for social bonding and attachment. During sex, oxytocin production increases significantly, resulting in lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate variability, and lessened cortisol response. Cortisol is commonly known as the 'stress hormone' because it signals the body to release adrenaline in preparation for fight-or-flight responses. By reducing cortisol levels through regular sexual activity, partners can manage fear, anxiety, and stress better than those who do not engage in sex on a consistent basis.
How does sexual closeness affect the ability to manage fear, anxiety, and stress responses?
There is evidence that suggests that being close to someone sexually can have a positive effect on how one manages their fear, anxiety, and stress responses. Studies have shown that individuals who are in romantic relationships tend to experience lower levels of anxiety than those who are not (Brown & Bartholomaeus, 2015).