It’s no secret that the pandemic has had a seismic effect on people’s relationships. However, a new study has revealed that fear of COVID-19 may have really benefited couples when it comes to their sex lives.
The research, led by psychologists at the University of Lisbon and the Kinsey Institute in Indiana, was published in The Journal of Sex Research. In this cross-sectional study, 303 adults who were romantically involved were examined.
Various lifestyle changes were found to be associated with positive sexual desire in the study. However, this was “only for participants with a high (compared to miscarriage) fear of COVID-19”.
“For these participants, sexual desire was associated with positive changes in one’s sex life and wanting to spend time with one’s partner, but not with overall relationship quality,” the study states. The study adds that its results were consistent after controlling for pandemic anxiety and demographic variables.
The authors conclude, “This study expands the literature focusing on the importance of romantic relationships in stressful situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by shedding light on the link between sexual desire and individual and relationship well-being.” The findings contradict previous research that reported that the pandemic triggered an overall decline in sexual desire among couples.
A study published in the journal The Leisure Sciences in 2020 found that about half of the 1,559 adults surveyed had a negative impact on their sex lives.
On the other hand, one out of every 5 sexually active participants was found to be more sexually adventurous by “expanding their sexual repertoire by adding new activities.”
“Common additions include texting, trying new sexual positions, and sharing sexual fantasies,” the study said. The authors continued: Being younger, living alone, and feeling stressed and lonely were linked to trying new things.
4481
