Further Exploration of the Correlates of Post-Coital Dysphoria and Its Prevalence within Different Sexual Contexts

Abstract

The current study investigated the correlates of post-coital dysphoria (PCD) in men and women. Moreover, the study explored the PCD prevalence in the sexual contexts of a relationship, casual sex, and masturbation. An online survey was completed by 156 participants, 51 males and 105 females. All participants were over 18 and have had sex in and out of relationships, as well as having engaged in masturbation. Results showed that PCD was prevalent in each of the three sexual contexts, for both males and females. Furthermore, some previously identified correlates were replicated and found to be statistically significant predictors of PCD. A previously unexplored variable that was also found to significantly predict PCD were negative attitudes toward masturbation. The current research established that PCD occurs in multiple sexual contexts – something previously unknown. Prevalence rates of PCD after sex within a relationship, casual sex, and masturbation, for males were 21.6, 49 and 72.5, respectively. For females, prevalence rates were 11.4, 77.1 and 51.4%, respectively. Additionally, it identified which factors predict the experience of PCD for each of the different sexual contexts for each gender. This has potentially huge implications in formulating a focus for the treatment of PCD, dependent upon the gender and sexual context it is experienced in.