Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Link Between Time Perception of Visual Stimuli and Reading Skills
Published on: January 19, 2024
Does It Feel Like Yesterday or Like It's Been Forever? Subjective Time Since Sex in Romantic Relationships
Elysia Vaccarino1, Stephanie Raposo1, Amy Muise1
1York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Sexual frequency in relationships is associated with satisfaction. Beyond objective reports, the subjective time since sex might also be associated with relationship evaluations. When sex feels further away, do people feel less satisfied? Do they desire sex more? In a cross-sectional study (Study 1), when one's last sexual experience felt further away, people reported lower sexual satisfaction and desire. In an experimental study (Study 2), women (but not men) who were made to feel that the last sex was further (vs. closer) reported lower desire, but overall, there was limited evidence of causal effects. However, in a 21-day daily experience study (Study 3), within-person lagged models revealed that sex feeling further away was associated with lower sexual satisfaction, but higher desire, tomorrow, and higher desire and satisfaction were associated with sex feeling further away tomorrow. Subjective time since sex has nuanced associations in relationships, especially with desire and satisfaction in daily life.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Perception
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
Social Exchange Theory
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency
The latency period is not...
Framing Effects

