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Sex by NPE factor interactions by sample. Panel A displays interactions based on frequency of NPE factors, and Panel B based on intensity of NPE factors. Bars represent ± 1.0 standard error of the mean. Entries marked with an asterisk indicate significant ( p < .05) interaction.
Source publication
Negative postcoital emotions (NPEs) are understood as a disorder by some authors, but little is known about their evolutionary significance, etiology, and prevalence. We surveyed samples from the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Norway to test predictions regarding the following evolutionary hypotheses: Three groups of NPEs exist, related to (a)...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... predicted Participant Sex by NPE factor interaction (considering the avoidance NPE and the neediness NPE factors) was found in all samples (see Figure 1). This was the case both for frequency and for intensity of NPEs, supporting predictions made for Hypothesis IV. ...
Context 2
... NPE factors were more frequently experienced by participants from the North-American than by those from the Norwegian sample, the neediness NPE factor was more frequent in the Brazilian than in other samples, and the avoidance NPE factor was more frequent in the Midwestern- American than in the broader Anglo-American sample. As expected, the neediness NPE factor was more commonly experienced by women than men, as can also be observed in Figure 1, whereas the avoidance NPE factor was only slightly, but nonsignificantly, more frequent in men than in women. ...
Context 3
... neediness and the reputation-maintenance NPE factors were more intensely experienced by participants from the North-American than by those from the Norwegian sample, the neediness and the avoidance NPE factors were more intense in the Brazilian than in other samples, and the neediness NPE factor was more intense in the broader Anglo-American than in the Midwestern- American sample. As expected, the neediness NPE factor was more intensely experienced by women than men, but as can also be observed in Figure 1, whereas the difference in the intensity of the avoidance NPE factor between men and women was negligible and not statistically significant. ...
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Citations
... Associated with sexual regret is the phenomenon of postcoital negative emotion. Fernandes et al. (2016) identi ed three factors underlying ratings of a number of aversive feelings postcoitus, two of which they predicted and found to be sex-di erentiated based upon SST. Relative to men, women reported higher intensity and frequency of aversive emotions associated with feeling abandoned (reporting feelings such as Need to be comforted, Feeling of worthlessness, Tearfulness or feeling like crying, and Feeling of helplessness), where abandonment would have been associated with loss of male investment in o spring ancestrally. ...
... Men, by contrast, more intensely and frequently expressed desire to detach or leave their partner (reporting feelings of Irritability, Anger, Disgust for partner, and Need to be alone); ancestrally, males could at times bene t from pursuing yet additional mating opportunities. The patterns of postcoital negative emotions found by Fernandes et al. (2016) thus suggest that this phenomenon can be understood as adaptive from an SST perspective, rather than as a dysfunction or pathology. There were four samples in this study (Brazilian, Midwestern-American, Anglo-American, and Norwegian), all showing similar patterns of response, but Norwegian women reported lower levels of need for need to bond compared to women in the three other samples. ...
The Oxford Handbook of Human Mating covers the contributions and up-to-date theories and empirical evidence from scientists regarding human mating strategies. The scientific studies of human mating have only recently risen, revealing fresh discoveries about mate attraction, mate choice, marital satisfaction, and other topics. Darwin’s sexual selection theory primarily guides most of the research in the scientific study of mating strategies. Indeed, research on the complexities of human mate competition and mate choice has centred around Darwin’s classic book. This book discusses theories of human mating; mate selection and mate attraction; mate competition; sexual conflict in mating; human pair bonding; the endocrinology of mating; and mating in the modern world.
... The harmful dysfunction analysis of psychopathology suggests that there must be both a malfunction of an evolved adaptation in addition to a value laden assessment of the phenomenon as undesirable (i.e., harmful to others) for it to be pathological (Kennair, 2011;Wakefield, 1999). Different aspects of our sexual psychology have been considered to show signs of pathology (e.g., negative post-coital emotion; Fernandes et al., 2016). However, an analysis based on evolved sex differences suggests that sometimes these phenomena show signs of adaptation and may therefore not be true pathology, despite being aversive (Fernandes et al., 2016). ...
... Different aspects of our sexual psychology have been considered to show signs of pathology (e.g., negative post-coital emotion; Fernandes et al., 2016). However, an analysis based on evolved sex differences suggests that sometimes these phenomena show signs of adaptation and may therefore not be true pathology, despite being aversive (Fernandes et al., 2016). A similar perspective could be applied to voyeurism and exhibitionism. ...
Sociosexuality and sexual compulsivity predict sex differences in voyeuristic interest in the population. In this study, we used a sample of 1113 participants from the UK (46% men) to consider whether sociosexuality and sexual compulsivity interacted to explain these sex differences and whether this relationship extended to the related domain of exhibitionism. In doing so, we tested novel predictions derived from an evolutionary perspective which views voyeuristic and exhibitionistic interest as manifestations of a short-term mating strategy. Participants reported their levels of repulsion toward voyeurism and exhibitionism and their interest in performing such acts under different levels of risk. There were clear sex differences in voyeuristic and exhibitionistic repulsion that were partially mediated by the serial combination of sociosexuality and sexual compulsivity. Examining the sexes separately revealed qualitatively different relationships between sociosexuality and sexual compulsivity when predicting exhibitionistic, but not voyeuristic, repulsion. Combined, sociosexuality and sexual compulsivity also mediated the sex difference in willingness to commit acts of voyeurism, but not exhibitionism, which was equally low for both sexes. The results highlight the role sociosexuality plays in voyeuristic and exhibitionistic interest, which coupled with an evolutionary perspective, may have implications for how we view courtship disorders.
... 7 Negative emotional experiences following sexual activity have been found to be common, with over 80% of college students experiencing one or more negative emotion(s) following sexual activity. 4 Sex differences are observed in the types of negative emotions experienced, with males more likely to experience negative emotions associated with avoidance of bonding (irritability, anger, disgust for partner), while females are more likely to experience negative emotions associated with a need for bonding (lonely, insecure, need to be comforted). 4 A relatively unknown phenomenon characterized by inexplicable negative emotions following otherwise satisfactory sexual activity is referred to as Postcoital Dysphoria (PCD). ...
... 4 Sex differences are observed in the types of negative emotions experienced, with males more likely to experience negative emotions associated with avoidance of bonding (irritability, anger, disgust for partner), while females are more likely to experience negative emotions associated with a need for bonding (lonely, insecure, need to be comforted). 4 A relatively unknown phenomenon characterized by inexplicable negative emotions following otherwise satisfactory sexual activity is referred to as Postcoital Dysphoria (PCD). ...
Introduction
There is little systematized research on the postsex phase of the sexual cycle, due in part to the absence of literature on the period immediately following sexual activity.
Aim
The paper describes the development and validation of the Postsex Experience Scale (P-SES), an instrument designed to measure the psychological dimensions of the postsex period of the human sexual response cycle.
Methods
Scale development involved (a) item construction, selection, and subsequent validation through item analysis, and (b) a factor analysis of the item intercorrelations of the P-SES and the establishment of its factorial validity, based upon an online survey of 4,217 respondents.
Results
In the exploratory factor analysis of the psychometric structure of the scale, structures for males and females differed. 3 factors emerged, which captured the male postsex experience. These factors were labeled Sense of Sexual Alienation, Positive Connection with Self, and Feeling Connected with Partner. 4 factors best captured the female postsex experience and were labeled Self-Loathing, Positive Connection with Self, Sense of Being Emotionally Overwhelmed, and Feeling Connected with Partner.
Clinical Implications
There is strong evidence for acknowledging a wide variation in postsex experience in both men and women across sexual orientations.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths include a large heterogeneous sample leading to the provision of a metric to investigate novel aspects of human sexuality. Limitations include the potential underreporting of experiences due to the structure of the scale and its reference to “general experiences” and presentation bias.
Conclusions
The P-SES provides a framework for assessing the postsex experience in women and men, providing opportunities to gain a better understanding of the variations in postsex experience.
... Sexual Strategies Theory predicts that there would be sex differences in negative emotions after sex. In a cross-national study, Fernandes et al. (2016) found, in line with earlier research (Campbell 2008), that women had more negative emotions related to the need for bonding, while men had more negative emotions related to avoidance of bonding (compare to ideal relationship outcomes of hookups below). ...
Casual sex and hookups are largely synonymous and involve sexual behaviors that occur outside ongoing committed relationships. These brief uncommitted sexual encounters occur among individuals that are not dating or romantic partners, and they are performed without any expectations of future romantic relationships. The encounter typically occurs only once but may cover a variety of sexual or physical intimate behaviors such as kissing and petting, intimate touching, oral sex, and intercourse.
In this chapter, we do not consider sexual infidelity as a special case of casual sex. Neither do we consider sexual subcultures, open relationships, or same-sex encounters. We define
short-term sexual encounters involving intercourse, and thus the likelihood of becoming pregnant. We advise alternative and specific approaches to the understanding of brief, uncommitted, nonreproductive sexual behaviors.
... Recently in an investigation of sex differences in type and degree of Negative Postcoital Emotions, the different feelings associated with the wish to detach in males and bond in women after short-term sex, show signs of adaptation (Fernandes et al. 2016). This despite most mental health research into the topic has suggested that this may be pathology. ...
... Sexual Strategies Theory predicts that there would be sex differences in negative emotions after sex. In a cross-national study, Fernandes et al. (2016) found, in line with earlier research (Campbell 2008), that women had more negative emotions related to the need for bonding, while men had more negative emotions related to avoidance of bonding (compare to ideal relationship outcomes of hookups below). ...
... Moreover, these disparate cultures did not differ in overall levels of sexual regret. These findings contribute to a growing body of research supporting these sex-differentiated design features (Bendixen, Kennair, & Buss, 2015;Fernandes, Kennair, Hutz, Natividade, & Kruger, 2016;Galperin et al., 2013;Grøntvedt & Kennair, 2013;Kennair et al., 2016). ...
Sexual regret was investigated across two disparate cultures: Norway (N = 853), a highly secular and sexually liberal culture, and the United States (N = 466), a more religious and more sexually conservative culture. Sex differences, individual differences in preferred mating strategy, religiosity, and cultural differences in sexual regret were analyzed. Men were significantly less likely to regret having had casual sex than women and were significantly more likely to regret passing up casual sexual opportunities than women. Participants who were more religious regretted having had casual sex more and regretted passing up casual sex less. Sexually unrestricted participants were less likely to regret having had casual sex and were more likely to regret passing up casual sex. Finally, North Americans and Norwegians did not differ significantly in overall amount of sexual regret nor in patterns of sex differences in sexual regret. Discussion focuses the robustness of sex differences across cultures, the importance of explaining individual differences within cultures, and on future directions for cross-cultural research.
... Recently in an investigation of sex differences in type and degree of Negative Postcoital Emotions, the different feelings associated with the wish to detach in males and bond in women after short-term sex, show signs of adaptation (Fernandes et al. 2016). This despite most mental health research into the topic has suggested that this may be pathology. ...
... Direct comparison of the effect sizes with those reported by Galperin et al. (2013) reveal that the sex differences in sexual regret show no diminution in this highly sexually egalitarian culture. This adds to a growing body of findings that fail to support the social role explanation for sex differences (Bendixen, 2014;Bendixen, Kennair, Ringheim, et al., 2015;Fernandes, Kennair, Hutz, Natividade, & Kruger, 2015;Grøntvedt & Kennair, 2013;Kennair, Nordeide, Andreassen, Strønen, & Pallesen, 2011;Kennair et al., 2009). As expected, women worried more than men about having had casual sex (Hypothesis 3, part 1), but these sex differences were generally modest, and much smaller than for sociosexual orientation and from physical gratification from sex. ...
The current study sought to answer three key questions about explaining the emotion of regret in the domain of casual sex: Are sex differences in sexual regret robust or attenuated in a highly egalitarian culture? What proximate psychological variables might explain sex differences in sexual regret? And what accounts for within-sex variation in experiences of sexual regret about casual sex. We conducted a study of 263 Norwegian students (ages 19–37) who reported how much they regretted having either engaged in, or passed up, their most recent casual sexual experience. Sex differences in sexual regret are not attenuated in this sexually egalitarian culture. The study revealed sex differences in worries about pregnancy, STIs, and reputation; however, these predictors did not succeed in accounting for the sex differences in regret engaging in casual sex. Sexual gratification and socio-sexual orientation both predicted the sex differences in casual sex regret. In contrast, only socio-sexual orientation attenuated the sex difference in regret passing up casual sex. Predictors of within-sex variation in casual sexual regret included worry about sexual reputation, experienced gratification during the encounter, and socio-sexual orientation. Discussion focuses on implications for the psychological design features of this relatively neglected emotion.
... SD-IE among humans has been tested with many latent and outcome variables commonly used in life history studies to measure trade-offs among many components of resource allocation (Armstrong et al., 2014;Dunkel et al., 2014;Fernandes & Woodley, 2013;Figueredo et al., 2013b;Woodley of Menie et al., 2015). However, possible SD-IE effects have not yet been explored among sexual strategy traits, several of which are the focus of much scientific interest in various fields of human psychology, such as attachment styles (Bowlby, 1969;Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998;Del Giudice, 2011;Fisher, Aron, Mashek, Li & Brown, 2002), sociosexual orientation (Jackson & Kirkpatrick, 2007;Penke and Asendorpf, 2008;Simpson & Gangestad, 1991), emotions experienced in sexual relationships (Campbell, 2008;Fernandes, Kennair, Hutz, Natividade & Kruger, 2015;Galperin et al., 2013;Haselton & Buss, 2001;Kruger & Hughes, 2010;Townsend, 1995), and correlates of sexual strategies such as mate value (i.e. the set of positive qualities desired in mating, which provides an observable estimate of genetic quality; Buss & Schmitt, 1993;Edlund & Sagarin, 2010;Kirsner, Figueredo & Jacobs, 2003). ...
... Interindividual covariation among observable sexual strategy traits has been found in multiple studies (e.g. Fernandes et al., 2015;Kennair, Grøntvedt, Mehmetoglu, Perilloux & Buss, 2015;Kruger & Hughes, 2010;Ostovich & Sabini, 2004;Penke & Asendorpf, 2008;Schmitt & Buss, 2000), with different individuals investing in different sexual strategies, each of which containing specific ways in which these multiple traits cohere to permit the optimization of reproductive success in one's specific socioecological context (Buss & Schmitt, 1993). For example, in contexts of high unpredictability and instability, (aspects which can preclude one from confidently securing a stable and long-term relationship with a partner), one may preferentially desire and invest in short-term relationships, while exhibiting an avoidant style of attachment to prevent an excessive bond to one or few partners, in addition to experiencing negative 2 emotions that facilitate one's extraction from casual relationships after sexual activity (such as disgust for one's partner, irritability, and a desire to be alone; Fernandes et al., 2015;Haselton & Buss, 2001;Kruger & Hughes, 2010). ...
... Fernandes et al., 2015;Kennair, Grøntvedt, Mehmetoglu, Perilloux & Buss, 2015;Kruger & Hughes, 2010;Ostovich & Sabini, 2004;Penke & Asendorpf, 2008;Schmitt & Buss, 2000), with different individuals investing in different sexual strategies, each of which containing specific ways in which these multiple traits cohere to permit the optimization of reproductive success in one's specific socioecological context (Buss & Schmitt, 1993). For example, in contexts of high unpredictability and instability, (aspects which can preclude one from confidently securing a stable and long-term relationship with a partner), one may preferentially desire and invest in short-term relationships, while exhibiting an avoidant style of attachment to prevent an excessive bond to one or few partners, in addition to experiencing negative 2 emotions that facilitate one's extraction from casual relationships after sexual activity (such as disgust for one's partner, irritability, and a desire to be alone; Fernandes et al., 2015;Haselton & Buss, 2001;Kruger & Hughes, 2010). However, in the example of individuals in contexts of high stability and predictability, a more adaptive and equally cohesive sexual strategy might involve sociosexual restriction and attachment security, coupled with positive postcoital experiences which facilitate and solidify bonding Haselton & Buss, 2001;Kruger & Hughes, 2010). ...
Individuals exhibit differences in their life history strategies along a continuum that ranges from fast (involving investments in immediate rewards) to slow (involving long-term relationships and investments). Components of life history have been demonstrated to be more strongly correlated in individuals with faster life histories, a phenomenon termed Strategic Differentiation-Integration Effort (SD-IE). Sexual strategies are an intrinsic component of life history, yet have not been examined for SD-IE effects. We tested SD-IE in one student and two general population samples from two countries, among sexual strategy traits and correlates (sociosexual orientation, attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, three groups of postcoital emotions, mate value, and life history speed). Two latent factors were found to explain the overall associations among these variables. The associations between the two factors and among their respective manifest indicators within factor were stronger in individuals with less restricted sexual strategies and more negative emotionality in sexual relationships, traits which are indicative of overall faster life history, supporting SD-IE hypotheses. Sex differences were identified and accounted for by life history speed differences between men and women. Unifactorial and multifactorial views of human sexual strategies can be argued to be equally supported by data, depending on individual life history speed.
