What is the Coolidge Effect?

• A. A myth about staying faithful.
• B. A psychological theory that suggests sexual novelty can increase happiness in CNM.
• C. A theoretical reason suggesting that individuals in CNM relationships might experience increased happiness.
• D. A hormonal reaction causing jealousy.

Answer: (C)

The concept tested is that sexual novelty can reignite interest and arousal. The Coolidge Effect describes a rebound in sexual motivation when an individual is exposed to a new partner, driven by the brain’s reward systems and dopaminergic pathways. In practical terms, this means that encountering fresh sexual stimuli can boost excitement and satisfaction, which some see as a factor in why people in consensual non-monogamy might experience increased happiness or fulfillment in certain moments.

That aspect is captured by the option describing a theoretical reason that individuals in CNM relationships might feel more happiness, because novelty can sustain or enhance sexual and relational satisfaction. It’s not about fidelity myths, not a broad theory about CNM happiness in general, and not a hormonal reaction that causes jealousy, so the chosen explanation aligns best with how the Coolidge Effect is understood in relation to novelty-driven arousal.