Effect of the Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Sexuality: The Mediating Role of Sexual Practices and Arousal in the Relationship Between Gender and Sexual Self-Esteem

Abstract

The scientific evidence suggests that COVID-19 is affecting much more than the physical health of individuals, particularly in places where a lockdown has been established to slow down the spread of the virus. An area that may be particularly affected is human sexuality. This study explored the impact of the situation generated by COVID-19 on the sexuality of 201 adults living in Spain. We collected data cross-sectionally through an online survey during the month of April 2020. Results showed a reduction of sexual self-esteem and a decrease in the number of interpersonal sexual relations, although the frequency of masturbation and the consumption of pornography did not vary compared to previous levels. A regression analysis showed that masturbation, the ability to maintain sexual arousal and interpersonal sex were mediating variables in the relationship between gender – specifically being male – and having higher sexual self-esteem during the lockdown. This study provides new insight on the relevance of certain sexual behaviors in a pandemic situation with considerable social restrictions and on the effect of this situation on sexual self-esteem and arousal. It brings some clarity on the relationship between sexual self-esteem and gender, about which there is currently no consensus in the scientific literature.