Sexual healing

Abstract

Research investigating the link between stress and sexual activity has been limited and the findings equivocal. We examined the stress–sexual activity link and the moderating effects of gender and relationship satisfaction using a daily diary methodology. Seventy-five heterosexual Israeli adults were asked in an initial session to report on their relationship satisfaction. Then, these participants were asked to provide daily diary measures of stress and sexual activity for a period of 18 consecutive weekdays. We found that stressful days increased the probability of having sex on a subsequent day, and that sexual intercourse relieved stress for both men and women in satisfying relationships, but not in unsatisfying relationships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sex in regulating emotions and maintaining psychological wellbeing, especially among those satisfied with their relationships.