Most people agree that major life changes can be extremely stressful and disruptive. They often lead to feelings of fear, uncertainty, loneliness, sadness, frustration, anger, and confusion. When these emotions are experienced together, it is referred to as a crisis. Transitional crises can have different effects on individuals depending on their personality traits and social support systems. Some common types of transitional crises include job loss, divorce, widowhood, retirement, moving house, relocation, financial setbacks, illness, death, parenthood, becoming single again after marriage, and other major events that cause significant shifts in one's environment, expectations, or roles.
Research has shown that sexual adaptation after major life transitions can affect relational satisfaction. Specifically, men tend to experience more difficulties than women when it comes to adjusting sexually to such situations. This might be due to gender roles and cultural norms that emphasize masculinity and the importance of being able to "perform" during intercourse.
Males may feel pressured to keep up appearances and maintain sexual standards despite feeling uncomfortable or uncertain about their abilities. On the other hand, females may find themselves struggling with their own desires and needs, especially if they were previously focused on pleasing their partner rather than exploring their own pleasure.
One study showed that newly-divorced men reported higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction compared to those who remained married (Cohen & Crawford, 2019). It was suggested that this could be because of increased anxiety regarding performance and communication issues with new partners. Another study found that men who lost their jobs tended to engage in more risk behaviors like pornography use and extramarital affairs (Wheeler et al., 2020), which could indicate an attempt to cope with feelings of inadequacy and lack of control over their lives. Women, on the other hand, appeared less likely to seek out casual encounters but instead sought comfort and emotional intimacy from their partners (Kleinplatz et al., 2018).
It is important for individuals going through a transition to acknowledge their feelings and communicate openly with their partner(s) about any changes in their sexual preferences and needs. Couples should also explore alternative forms of affection and intimacy, such as cuddling, massages, and non-sexual touching, to stay connected emotionally even when physical intimacy is limited. Seeking professional support can help identify underlying issues and develop coping strategies tailored to each person's unique circumstances. With time and patience, it is possible to adapt sexually after major life transitions and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships.
How does sexual adaptation after major life transitions affect relational satisfaction?
In general, individuals may experience a wide range of emotions during and after undergoing significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, death of a loved one, birth or adoption of a child, job loss or change, retirement, or relocation. These shifts can challenge and transform an individual's identity, role, relationships, and priorities.