The psychological benefits of sexual relationships have been well documented throughout history and across cultures. Many studies show that sexual activity can help to reduce stress, improve mood, boost self-esteem, and increase overall life satisfaction.
Less is known about how sexual relationships can buffer against trauma, fear, and anxiety specifically.
When people experience traumatic events, such as natural disasters, accidents, or violence, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause persistent symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors. Sexual relationships have been found to be an effective treatment for PTSD because it helps individuals to feel safe and connected to others. During intercourse, oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust, is released, which can help to create feelings of safety and security.
Orgasms release the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels. This combination of hormones and physiological responses can provide a sense of emotional stability and protection from external threats.
Fear is another emotion that can be reduced through sexual activity. When we feel scared or threatened, our bodies activate the sympathetic nervous system, causing heart rate and breathing to increase, blood vessels to constrict, and muscles to tense up. These physical reactions are part of the "fight or flight" response, preparing us to either fight off danger or flee from it. Sexual activity can counteract this by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes the opposite effect: decreased heart rate, slowed breathing, and relaxed muscles. This state of calmness can be especially helpful in situations where fear is triggered by social interactions or performance anxiety.
Sexual relationships can also buffer against anxiety. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and fear about future events, often leading to negative thoughts and behavior patterns. During sex, however, people may become more present-oriented, focusing on their partner's touch and movement rather than ruminating on past or future concerns. The physical closeness and intimacy provided by intercourse can also help to lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone associated with anxiety.
The endorphins released during orgasm have been shown to decrease feelings of anxiety and improve mood.
Research has shown that sexual relationships can play an important role in buffering against trauma, fear, and anxiety. By creating a sense of safety, reducing physiological arousal, and promoting mindfulness and pleasure, they provide a natural means for individuals to cope with challenging emotional states. While further research is needed to understand the complex ways that sexuality interacts with psychology, the benefits of these relationships cannot be denied.
In what ways do sexual relationships buffer against the effects of trauma, fear, and anxiety?
The research findings suggest that sexual activity can be effective in reducing stress levels by lowering the production of cortisol, which is known as the "stress hormone. " It has been found that individuals who engage in sex before taking an exam tend to perform better than those who abstain from it. Moreover, regular sex may also contribute to improved overall health by decreasing the risk for hypertension and heart disease.