ABSTRACT. This article reviews and advances existing literature concerning COVID-19-related psychosocial stressors, sexual behaviors, and quality of life. With growing evidence of psychological well-being, intimate relationships and sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a pivotal need for comprehending relationship tension because of COVID-19 transmission and restrictions. In this research, previous findings were cumulated showing that absence of sexual activity throughout the COVID-19 crisis is related to a considerably increased risk of developing anxiety and depression and contribute to the literature by indicating that quarantine, physical distancing, social isolation, and home confinement-related stress and anxiety may increase sexual issues. Throughout May 2021, a quantitative literature review of the Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases was performed, with search terms including “sexual activity + COVID-19,” “sexual health + COVID-19,” “sexual practice + COVID-19,” “sexual behavior + COVID-19,” “sexual relationship + COVID-19,” and “sexual life + COVID-19.” As research published between 2020 and 2021 was inspected, only 366 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. By taking out controversial or ambiguous findings (insufficient/irrelevant data), outcomes unsubstantiated by replication, too general material, or studies with nearly identical titles, I selected 21 mainly empirical sources. Subsequent analyses should develop on sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction concerning physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 social lockdown. Future research should thus investigate COVID-19-related detrimental sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Attention should be directed to sexual frequency and relationship satisfaction throughout COVID-19 social restrictions.

Keywords: COVID-19; psychosocial; stressor; sexual; behavior; health

How to cite: Lewis, E. (2021). “COVID-19-related Psychosocial Stressors, Sexual Behaviors, and Quality of Life,” Journal of Research in Gender Studies 11(2): 59–72. doi:10.22381/JRGS11220214.

Received 26 June 2021 • Received in revised form 24 December 2021
Accepted 27 December 2021 • Available online 30 December 2021