Sexuality was my antidepressant or anxiolytic during covid19 lockdown. Sexual behaviours as a coping strategy during the first covid-19 lockdown in France

Abstract

We investigate sexual behaviours as a means of coping with negative emotions during the first covid19-related lockdown in France. We hypothesize that sexual behaviours have been used by the most psychologically fragile individuals to cope with the constraints, pressures, and threats associated with the health situation. We are interested in the overall use of sexual behaviours for coping purposes. We also distinguish dual relationships (with partners) from masturbatory behaviours. 2234 participants (mean age: 31.4yo, Female: 68.3%) participated to an on-line non-interventional survey during the first French covid-related lockdown. We assessed frequency of sexual behaviours in order to cope with stress, depression and anxiety. Main results show an increase in the use of sexuality as way of coping with negative emotions for 17.1% of the subjects (n = 382). Masturbatory behaviours were the most impacted (+12%, n = 269). Women differed from men both in the overall use of sexual behaviours as a coping strategy and in the more specific use of partnered sex. In line with our hypotheses, increasing use of sexual behaviours as a coping strategy during lockdown is more important when subjects present psychological vulnerabilities, such as anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms.