Economic stressors can have significant impacts on the sexual frequency and intimacy quality of couples. Economic stress is defined as an individual's perception that their financial situation is unsatisfactory, which leads to anxiety, frustration, and depression about money matters. Studies show that economic stress can negatively affect romantic relationship outcomes such as satisfaction, commitment, trust, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Researchers have also found that economic stress can influence sexual behavior by decreasing desire, increasing anxiety and negative affect, reducing physical arousal, and diminishing sexual satisfaction. These effects are further exacerbated for those who perceive themselves as being in lower socioeconomic classes.
Coping mechanisms are psychological strategies used to manage stressful situations. Several coping mechanisms may moderate the effect of economic stress on sexuality, including problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, avoidance, and social support seeking. Problem-focused coping involves actively trying to resolve the problem through direct action or planning, while emotion-focused coping involves regulating emotions to cope with the stress. Research suggests that partners who use problem-focused coping techniques experience higher levels of sexual satisfaction than those using emotion-focused coping. Avoidance coping refers to attempts to ignore or avoid the stressor altogether, but this strategy has been associated with reduced sexual satisfaction.
Seeking social support from family and friends can provide a sense of connection and security, leading to better sexual functioning.
Economic stressors can impact sexual frequency and intimacy quality between partners by decreasing desire, increasing anxiety and negative affect, reducing physical arousal, and diminishing sexual satisfaction.
Coping mechanisms such as problem-focused coping and social support seeking can help couples mitigate these effects and maintain healthy sexual relationships despite financial difficulties.
How do economic stressors influence sexual frequency and intimacy quality between partners, and what coping mechanisms moderate these effects?
The recent years have seen an increase in the number of people experiencing financial difficulties and pressures that are having a significant impact on their lives. Economic hardships often result in increased levels of stress and anxiety which can lead to reduced levels of physical and mental wellbeing. This is no different when it comes to the sexual life of individuals who may be facing various issues such as lack of privacy, less time for themselves or each other, and even financial strain.