Differences in the Sexual Life of Spanish Men During the COVID-19 Lockdown by Sexual Orientation

Psicothema. 2023 Aug;35(3):227-237. doi: 10.7334/psicothema2022.387.

Abstract

Background: The pandemic affected the psychological well-being and sexuality of the population, especially among vulnerable groups such as men from sexual minorities.

Method: In Spain, a total of 320 heterosexual men and 151 sexual minority men, aged between 18 and 60, answered an ad hoc online questionnaire about sexual behavior during the lockdown.

Results: Compared to heterosexual men, during the lockdown, sexual minority men masturbated more, engaged in more sexual activities online, and had more sex with non-cohabitants. Heterosexual men had more sexual relations with their partners. Living with a partner during the lockdown predicted an improvement in sex life, especially for heterosexual men. Furthermore, the emotional impact of lockdown was a predictor of a worsening sex life regardless of sexual orientation.

Conclusions: Future interventions should take into account that men's sex lives are mediated by the emotional impact of the moment, especially among sexual minority men, since the quality of their sex life shows a weaker relationship with some of the protective variables studied (living with a partner).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Female
  • Heterosexuality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men
  • Middle Aged
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Young Adult