Sex as Leisure in the Shadow of Depression

Bibliographic Data

ID10137361
AuthorsLiza Berdychevsky (0000-0002-9392-4979, University of Florida, corresponding author), Galit Nimrod (0000-0001-5878-8222, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), Douglas A Kleiber (University of Georgia), Heather Gibson (0000-0003-0014-6379, University of Florida)
Year2013
Volume45
Issue1
Pages47-73
Publication date2013-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Leisure Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-2216 • E-ISSN: 2159-6417
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.18666/jlr-2013-v45-i1-2942
OpenAlexW2242846659
LanguageEN
Citations received18
References cited66

As a freely chosen activity intended to generate pleasure and enjoyment, sex is an important human experience associated with a sense of “normality” and well-being. However, depression and antidepressants are typically associated with decreased libido and diminished sexual functioning. Drawing upon netnography and constructivist grounded theory, this study explored how sex is perceived and experienced by people with depression who participate in on-line depression communities. Analysis identified five themes dealing with sex, antidepressants, relationships, loving oneself and others, and sex as a resource for coping. Demonstrating that sex loses its qualities as a leisure activity, the findings suggested a complex and multidimensional paradox of sex as leisure in coping with depression, which involves not only individuals with depression but also their significant others

Coping (psychology · Developmental psychology · Grounded theory · Libido · Normality · Pleasure · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Sociology · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology