Psychological Mechanisms that Cause Suppression of Sexual Needs
Sexual desires are innate and universal. From infancy to adulthood, humans experience sexual desire and engage in sexual acts.
Societal norms discourage public expression of such needs, leading many individuals to repress their sexual desires. This article explores the psychological mechanisms causing sexual needs suppression and its effects on relationship health.
Suppressing Sexual Desires to Maintain Social Acceptability
Society expects people to maintain certain standards of behavior and appearance. Consequently, many individuals suppress their sexual desires to conform to social expectations.
Women might suppress their sexual needs due to gender roles' expectations that they should be virgins until marriage. Similarly, men may suppress their sexuality to appear more respectable to potential employers or others. The need for acceptance is another mechanism causing suppression. People may hide their sexuality to avoid being rejected by peers, family members, colleagues, or society as a whole.
Fear of Embarrassment and Rejection
Another factor causing sexual need suppression is fear of embarrassment and rejection. Many people find it uncomfortable discussing sexuality openly. They might feel ashamed if someone discovers their sexual fantasies or preferences.
Some men might not reveal their kinks to avoid judgment from partners or friends. Women might conceal their sexual interests because they fear being judged as 'slutty.' Thus, many people choose to suppress their needs to protect themselves from potential embarrassment or rejection.
Guilt and Shame
Guilt and shame are also common reasons why people suppress their sexual desires. Religious or cultural beliefs often dictate what is acceptable in terms of sex. Some communities view premarital sex negatively, causing guilt and shame in those who engage in such acts. Individuals may have been conditioned since childhood to believe that expressing sexual needs is wrong or sinful. This belief causes them to repress their sexual urges, leading to anxiety and self-loathing when they experience arousal.
Self-Control
Self-control is a psychological mechanism causing sexual desire suppression. Most people can control their behavior, even when experiencing strong emotions like lust.
This mechanism can backfire when applied too strongly. People may suppress their sexual desires so much that they develop an aversion towards intimacy.
The lack of sexual expression leads to low relationship satisfaction and reduced relational health.
The Impact of Sexual Need Suppression on Relationship Health
Suppressing sexual desires has profound effects on relationship health. Many couples struggle with communication, trust issues, and conflict due to sexual need suppression. When one partner hides their needs for extended periods, it creates distrust and secrecy between them. Secrets breed resentment, causing partners to distance emotionally or physically. In extreme cases, concealing sexual interests might cause relationship breakdown or divorce. It is crucial to openly communicate sexual preferences, fantasies, and boundaries to maintain healthy relationships.
What psychological mechanisms cause individuals to suppress sexual needs, and how does suppression impact relational health?
Individuals may repress their sexual needs for various reasons such as cultural norms, religion, personal values, or trauma. This can have significant effects on relational health by causing stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, trust issues, and even physical health problems.