Perceptions of the Relationship Between Stress and Sexual Desire: Gender Differences

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates the association between perceived stress and sexual desire, emphasizing gender-specific patterns. We examined how stress influences sexual desire in men and women, exploring potential psychological, neuroendocrine, and psychosocial mechanisms. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 116 participants (60.34% female, 39.66% male), who completed an online questionnaire assessing perceived stress and sexual desire using Likert scales. Statistical analyses included Spearman correlations and independent-samples t-tests. Results: Men reported significantly higher sexual desire than women (p < 0.001). Under stress, men’s sexual desire remained more stable compared to women’s (p < 0.001). Prolonged stress negatively correlated with sexual desire (r = -0.191, p = 0.040), while general daily stress did not significantly affect sexual desire (p = 0.435). Conclusions: Gender and stress duration influence sexual desire, with men maintaining higher levels under stress. These findings suggest the need for clinical interventions that consider gender-specific coping strategies and highlight the importance of validated measures in future research.