Sexual Satisfaction During Stressful Times: The Role of Sexual Motivation

Abstract

This study examined whether stress negatively relates to sexual satisfaction in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by way of influencing which type of sexual motivation individuals might have for engaging in sexual relations. Participants (N = 162) completed measures of perceived stress, motivations for engaging in sex, and sexual satisfaction in romantic relationships. Results revealed that participants experiencing higher levels of stress experienced lower sexual satisfaction and were more strongly motivated by avoidanceoriented reasons for engaging in sexual relations. Being more motivated to engage in sexual activity for coping reasons coincided with lesser sexual satisfaction. Conversely, those who were more strongly motivated by approach-oriented reasons for engaging in sexual activity reported greater sexual satisfaction. No support was found for sexual motivation as a mediator of the relation between stress and sexual satisfaction.