Love in the Time of COVID-19: A Multi-Wave Study Examining the Salience of Sexual and Relationship Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The current study used Family Systems Theory as a framework to clarify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual, romantic, and individual functioning. Specifically, sexual and romantic functioning were modeled as key mechanisms linking COVID-19 related stressors (as predictors) to aspects of individual functioning over time (as outcomes). A sample of 1,241 sexually active adults in relationships (47% married/engaged) was recruited from March 5 to May 5, 2020: 82% White, 66% women, M = 34 years old, 58% heterosexual. All participants completed a baseline survey and 642 participants completed at least one of the six, monthly, follow-up surveys. Multilevel SEM models evaluated the model both at the level of stable between-person differences (i.e., level 2) and at the level of within-person change across time (i.e., level 1). The findings suggested that COVID-19 related stress was predictive of lower sexual, romantic, and individual functioning in both levels of the model. Significant indirect paths supported the proposed mediation at the level of within-person change across time: elevations in COVID-19 stress within specific months predicted corresponding drops in sexual functioning, which in turn predicted corresponding drops in romantic functioning, which in turn predicted corresponding drops in individual well-being (highlighting points of intervention). In contrast, at the level of between-person differences, stable levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction across the 6 months of the study were not associated with stable levels of COVID-19 stressors (representing sources of resilience that promoted well-being) and stable levels of stress from social isolation predicted stably higher amounts of communicating affection to one’s loved ones (suggesting a need for affiliation in the face of chronic stress) whereas stable difficulties with orgasms were linked to stable irritability toward partners and depressive symptoms. Multigroup analyses suggested that the findings generalized across gender, age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship stage, and cohabitation groups. Spillover effects within a Family Systems Theory framework clarify how upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic could have impacted sexual, romantic, and individual functioning in a process-oriented framework, highlighting sources of resilience (sexual satisfaction, communicating affection) and risk (orgasm difficulties).

The sexuality of couples formed during the pandemic: An exploratory study

“…Moreover, results from the International Sexual Health and Reproductive (I-SHARE; [10]) survey suggested that people who had a steady relationship starting before COVID-19 showed an increased in sexual satisfaction. This finding is not surprising, as it could be speculated that having a steady relationship may be associated with more positive communication, less fear of transmitting COVID-19, and a reduction in mental health issues related to the pandemic and social restrictions [2,11].…”

Is There a Direct Link between Sexual Satisfaction and Restrictions during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

“…Besides relationship status (i.e., being single), poor couple relationship quality [19,41,57] and partnership conflicts [28,46] also contributed to a weakening in sexual behavior and worsening satisfaction during the pandemic. A recent mediation study showed that increased COVID-19-related stress contributes to worsening well-being via decreased levels of sexual and romantic functioning [58]. This mechanism can explain the interplay between stress and well-being and how good sexual functioning can contribute to the relationship between a couple.…”

Locked- Down of Intimacy, Sexuality and Relationship during Covid Pandemic: Short Review

“…9,12 The Covid pandemic was also blamed to impact on sexual practices. 16 A decline was reported in common practices of partnered sexual activity like physical touch, kissing, and hugging is taken as crucial parts of sexual intimacy and determinant of emotional connection between couples. 18 Although little evidence has revealed that, a substantial amount of Covid-19 virus is present in saliva and evidence is available of fecal-oral transmission of the Covid-19.…”

“…18 Although little evidence has revealed that, a substantial amount of Covid-19 virus is present in saliva and evidence is available of fecal-oral transmission of the Covid-19. 15,16 Interestingly, another study conducted by Maya Luetke from the USA describes that Covid-19 impacts negatively on the frequency of intimacy practices such as cuddling, lip to lip kissing, and re-ported less frequency of sexual intercourse during the pandemic. 17 Availability of limited verified information about the possible risk of sexual transmission of Covid-19 infections, the couple reported avoiding foreplay and sexual practices like kissing and physical touching in partnered sexual activities.…”