The Impact of Loosening COVID-19 Restrictions and Live-in Partner Status on Sexual and Mental Health in a Canadian Sample

Abstract

Objectives

We examined changes in frequency of sexual behaviors, dyadic sexual desire, relationship satisfaction, and COVID-19 stress in Canadians across the pandemic, considering partner status.

Methods

Participants completed online questionnaires.

Results

Participants with live-in partners and single participants decreased in dyadic sexual behaviors. In August–September 2020, participants with live-in partners engaged in more dyadic sexual behaviors than single participants. In November 2021, all partnered participants engaged in more dyadic sexual behaviors than single participants. Decreases in COVID-19 stress were observed.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that despite decreases in COVID-19 stress, there may be long-lasting pandemic impacts on sexual behaviors.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• relationship satisfaction
• dyadic sexual desire
• COVID-19 related stress
• partner status
• dyadic sexual behavior

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Bozena Zdaniuk for providing methodological and statistical guidance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).