Sexual chemistry: Examining the associations between sexual activity and diurnal cortisol

Research links sexual activity to psychological stress, but less is known about how sex predicts physiological stress and the role relationship context plays in the association between sex and stress. Using daily diary methodology, this study examined whether having partnered sex was associated with next-day diurnal cortisol slopes and whether that association was moderated by partner closeness. For 6 days, 105 individuals in relationships completed measures of sexual activity and perceived partner closeness while providing morning and evening saliva samples for the later determination of cortisol. Consistent with hypotheses, having sex with a partner predicted healthier next-day cortisol slopes, but only for individuals who reported feeling closer to their partners on the day they had sex. These findings further research by examining next-day cortisol slopes and by considering relationship context. Future research should examine the role of orgasm and specific sexual experiences in predicting how partnered sex leads to healthier stress regulation.