Sex as Leisure in the Shadow of Depression

Abstract

As a freely chosen activity intended to generate pleasure and enjoyment, sex is an important human experience associated with a sense of “normality” and well-being. However, depression and antidepressants are typically associated with decreased libido and diminished sexual functioning. Drawing upon netnography and constructivist grounded theory, this study explored how sex is perceived and experienced by people with depression who participate in on-line depression communities. Analysis identified five themes dealing with sex, antidepressants, relationships, loving oneself and others, and sex as a resource for coping. Demonstrating that sex loses its qualities as a leisure activity, the findings suggested a complex and multidimensional paradox of sex as leisure in coping with depression, which involves not only individuals with depression but also their significant others.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex
• relationships
• online depression communities
• constraints
• coping

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Liza Berdychevsky

Liza Berdychevsky is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Florida.

Galit Nimrod

Galit Nimrod is a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies and a research fellow in the Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

Douglas A. Kleiber

Douglas A. Kleiber is a full professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at the University of Georgia.

Heather J. Gibson

Heather J. Gibson, Ph.D., is a full professor in the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Florida.