Emotional withdrawal can be defined as the deliberate suppression of one's own feelings towards another person or group. This is often done to protect oneself from hurt or disappointment, but it can also manifest as a form of passive aggression that allows an individual to manipulate others without confrontation. When it comes to romantic relationships, this kind of behavior has been shown to cause significant damage when left unaddressed. Studies have found that prolonged conflict between partners, especially if one partner engages in emotional withdrawal tactics such as stonewalling or silent treatment, can lead to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) for both partners involved. In HSDD, there is either a lack of interest in or inability to enjoy sexual activity despite being physically capable of doing so. The condition affects approximately one out of every ten women and three out of every hundred men in the United States.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, focused on heterosexual couples who had been together for more than five years. All participants were asked to complete questionnaires regarding their relationship satisfaction, sexual functioning, and communication patterns beforehand. Those with a history of emotional withdrawal during conflicts were then interviewed about the types of behaviors they engaged in and how they impacted their sex life. The findings revealed that those couples where one partner consistently used withdrawal tactics reported lower levels of overall sexual satisfaction and greater frequency of erectile dysfunction in men.
Researchers also found that these couples experienced higher rates of infidelity than those who did not use withdrawal tactics. This suggests that while the primary couple may be struggling with their own issues, their lack of intimacy and closeness may make them vulnerable to temptation elsewhere.
The study suggested that prolonged conflict can cause partners to become resentful towards each other, which further exacerbates any existing problems. These negative feelings can manifest as a general lack of interest in sex, even if it was previously enjoyed.
Of course, this study only looked at one aspect of the issue. Other factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, and medications can all contribute to HSDD.
It is clear that addressing underlying emotional issues within a relationship can help improve its quality across multiple dimensions, including sexual functioning. Couples counseling or therapy can provide an objective third-party perspective and help partners communicate better, thereby reducing the need for stonewalling and avoidance. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to treat symptoms associated with HSDD.
Can emotional withdrawal during prolonged conflict result in hypoactive sexual desire in both partners?
According to research, yes, emotional withdrawal can result in hypoactive sexual desire in both partners during prolonged conflict. This is due to several factors such as decreased trust, feelings of abandonment, and reduced intimacy between the couple. The lack of emotional connection can make it difficult for both individuals to feel sexually attracted towards each other and may lead to sexual avoidance.