According to research, does sex relieve stress for couples?

• A. Yes, for all couples.
• B. No, it never relieves stress.
• C. Only when sex is combined with therapy.
• D. Yes, but only for couples in satisfying relationships.

Answer: (D)

Sex can relieve stress through bonding and chemistry, but the effect depends on the relationship quality. When couples feel satisfied and emotionally connected, sex often reduces stress and boosts mood because intimacy releases feel-good chemicals and strengthens trust. In contrast, for couples with a strained or unsatisfying relationship, sex may not provide stress relief and can even be a source of additional tension due to unmet needs or conflict. That’s why the best answer is that sex helps relieve stress, but primarily for couples in satisfying relationships. The other options overgeneralize or introduce an extra condition (therapy) that isn’t required to explain the typical pattern observed in research.