Sexual attraction, romantic love, emotional intimacy, and relationship commitment are some of the most important aspects that play a major role in human relationships. These factors can significantly impact how people feel about each other, and when they come together, it is referred to as a shared experience. When two individuals share an experience, whether positive or negative, their brains tend to bond with one another due to the surge of chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. This phenomenon leads to a stronger attachment between them.
Life-threatening experiences have different effects on these factors depending on the context.
When individuals undergo traumatic events together, their bonds become stronger because of the adrenaline released during the situation. Adrenaline increases sexual urgency and arousal levels while also strengthening the attachment between the partners. In this case, sexual attraction and emotional intimacy are heightened, leading to increased physical contact, closeness, and affection. The bond created through shared trauma makes it easier for them to form lasting relationships because they trust each other more and rely on each other during difficult times.
When individuals face life-threatening situations alone, there is no adrenaline rush, which means they do not develop strong attachments to one another. They may still experience fear, anxiety, and stress but without any sense of safety, security, or comfort from their partner. Their sexual urge decreases drastically, making them less interested in intimate encounters, and they are less emotionally attached to their partner. Without emotional intimacy, relationship commitment becomes weaker over time, resulting in breakups or separations.
Life-threatening experiences can alter how people view sex and relationships.
If someone survives a car accident together with their partner, they may be more open to experimentation in bed due to the release of adrenaline and oxytocin hormones. If they go through a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or tsunami, they might feel closer to each other and want to spend more time together, increasing their chances of forming a deeper bond.
Shared exposure to life-threatening experiences has varying effects on sexual urgency, emotional intimacy, and relational commitment depending on the context. Adrenaline plays a significant role in enhancing these factors while alone, they may diminish or disappear altogether. This article discusses how surviving trauma can impact relationships positively or negatively based on the type of traumatic event and its severity.
How does shared exposure to life-threatening experiences affect sexual urgency, emotional intimacy, and relational commitment?
Shared trauma often leads to an increase in sexual urgency, emotional intimacy, and relational commitment. This is due to several factors including increased vulnerability, heightened awareness of mortality, and enhanced feelings of connection with others who have experienced similar stressors. The survivor may feel that they have been given a "second chance" at life and are more willing to take risks and connect deeply with their partner.