Coolidge Effect: Why We Always Want More Sexual Partners
He Coolidge effect is a term used in psychology and biology to describe the characteristic phenomenon of the vast majority of mammals in which both females and males experience high and continuous sexual performance when a new partner appears. That is to say, the fact of discovering a potential new partner to mate with creates a tendency to perceive it as more attractive simply because it is new.
In the case of humans, the Coolidge Effect is expressed by a fairly simple pattern: a person may be tired of having sexual relations with their partner, but can be easily aroused by another sexual partner The reason is that a large amount of dopamine decreases with the partner due to habituation, but increases with the new sexual partner.
Knowing the Coolidge Effect, can we save our relationship without having to be unfaithful? To keep the relationship alive, we can create sexual situations that end monotony and sexual habituation.
Studies with rats to demonstrate the Coolidge Effect
The Coolidge Effect was initially demonstrated with rats, putting a male in a box with several females with whom he mates until he is satiated and loses interest. By introducing a new female into the box, she reactivates the male’s sexual interest. This happens because the dopaminergic neuronal circuit of the reinforcement area is activated by the presence of a new sexual partner
When we have sex with our partner for a long time, habituation causes our circuits to get used to the doses of dopamine, just as happens with drug consumption. That is, after a while, it is necessary to increase the amount to have the same effect, because the phenomenon of habituation appears. The new sexual partner causes a dopamine rush that takes us back to ecstasy.
But the Coolidge Effect has not only been demonstrated in males, from whom greater sexual impulsivity is usually expected. It has also been demonstrated in females.
The origin of the Coolidge Effect
The origin of the term is curious. The story goes that President Calvin Coolidge (United States, 1923-1929) and Mrs. Coolidge visited a government farm in Kentucky. Once there, they toured the facilities separately. When Mrs. Coolidge passed some chickens, she asked her guide how often the roosters performed their task (referring to the sexual act). He responded to Mrs. Coolidge: “Dozens of times a day.” She was impressed by her response, and said, “Please tell the President.”
When the president found out, he was also shocked by the rooster’s performance. He then asked the guide: “But is he always with the same chicken?” The guide replied: “Oh, no, Mr. President, a different one every time.” The president nodded slowly, gave a smile and said, “Tell that to Mrs. Coolidge, please!”
The Coolidge Effect on couples
Many experts have been interested in the importance of the Coolidge Effect in infidelity. According to research data, the Coolidge Effect would explain the habituation suffered by couples who have been together for a long time Over time, they may seek a sexual high with another person.
Furthermore, new sexual partners would have a positive effect on sexual behavior, since, for example, men would be more vigorous and would become more excited with new partners than with their partners. In fact, other research has shown that Having sex with someone new increases semen production
Therefore, do we prefer quality or quantity in sexual relations? It seems that most mammals prefer the amount since we would be programmed at a biological level to procreate as much as possible and, in this way, contribute positively to the expansion of the species.
The debate about whether humans are polygamous or monogamous is typical, and those who frequently practice infidelity may cling to the Coolidge Effect to justify repeated betrayals of their partner. For them, perhaps human beings are evolutionarily designed to be closer to polygamy than monogamy.
Be careful: living as a couple is also about respect
Unfortunately, these comments they do not take into account the phenomenon from a holistic view, because unlike other species, human beings do not always resort to sex as a reproductive method. Humans are rational beings, and values such as loyalty, fidelity or respect are important to many individuals.
In this article we are not going to discuss whether or not human beings are monogamous or polygamous, but it is important to highlight that Education has a lot to do with the acquisition of values and the emotions that these provoke in people To give an example, if we think that infidelity is wrong, we will feel bad when it happens and it will be difficult to tolerate it. On the other hand, with an open mind it is easier to overcome infidelity.
Rekindle the passion in your relationship
It turns out that many individuals who go to couple therapy They complain about the decrease in the frequency and variety of the sexual act in the couple, and it is necessary not to ignore the importance that sex has in maintaining a healthy relationship.
In members of couples who have been together for many years and who have been practicing sexual intercourse for a long time, a process of habituation-satiation and It is very likely that the feeling of sexual gratification will reduce over time, since the novelty factor stops having an effect between both. Furthermore, very rigid sexual routines or guidelines, for example always having sex in the same way and in the same place, do not help to overcome this problem, but rather increase it.
Some keys to increasing sexual desire in a couple
To solve it, it is necessary to be aware that humans are creative beings and we can overcome the monotony of the relationship. When carrying out the sexual act with our partner we can use our imagination and we can leave behind the taboos that are the result of a repressive education, an education that, in many cases, does a lot of damage to the relationship.
Now, knowing the Coolidge Effect, it is possible to rekindle the flame of passion in the relationship couple, But to do this it is necessary to move away from monotonous sexual patterns and practice sexual craziness, fantasies and games that make us feel as excited again as the first time.
