Casual Sex:  
Really A Cause of Depression in Women?

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Depression is linked to many types of behavior, but psychologists can go a little overboard. I would normally respond to articles about specific behaviors and depression with a case study, but this is a different story. For the first time in my professional career, I will have to say that idea that casual sex is linked to depression is a little outrageous and the lucky victims are everyone who thinks that single people who engage in casual sex are depressed, especially single women. 

Can Casual Sex Be Linked To Depression?

The article, "Casual Sex:  A Link To Depression?" is one of those articles that speculates that single people who engage in casual sex are more prone to short-term depression, especially women (2015).  The article also explains that there is limited research to prove that casual sex is linked to depression, and the current and limited case studies do not clearly define the link between casual sex and depression among women (2015). 

Ask yourself this question: Is there a link between casual sex and depression, and why are women more prone to depression after casual sex than men? There is an answer, but, it is a loaded answer. Psychologists have to understand that women are generally emotional human beings. Secondly, psychologists need to better understand the history of sex in the Western world.

Today, it is not unusual for women to have more than one partner or to have sex before marriage. However, before the 1970s women were taught to not have sex before marriage, and the purpose of sex is to procreate. After the 1970s, more and more women started to enter the workforce, and women began to see themselves as equals among their male counterparts, which changed the meaning of having sex.  Sex in our society was no longer used as a tool to procreate.  A single woman older than twenty is no longer labeled an “old maid”.  In fact, through the early 1990s to the present, sex and the single woman is celebrated more than sex and marriage. Over the past three decades, marriage rates have drastically decreased, and conception has been delayed for a decade, because more and more young adults are focused on their careers

However, I do not discredit the theory that there are depressed women who use sex as a coping mechanism. Promiscuity can indeed be linked to depression. For example, the reason why a woman has multiple partners can be a result of sexual abuse as a child or lack of a father figure, etc. The list can go one forever.  You have to remember that there are many cultures that accept the high promiscuity of women, and there are cultures that do not accept the high promiscuity of women. A perfect example are Arab women - Virginity at marriage is a requirement for women in Arab nations, but this is not the case in the U.S.  The real question that researchers should ask is why are more women partaking in casual sex these days? 

Why Are Woman More Promiscuous? 

1.  No commitment.  Notice that I stated no commitment instead of the fear of commitment. A single women who is focused on her career does not have time to focus on a relationship. However, a woman still has sexual needs. Therefore, casual sex is a way to fulfil your needs while focusing on your career, but I strongly suggest that you choose one partner who is discrete and feels the same way you do.

2.  Not seeking marriage. Marriage is not for everyone, and a woman who realizes that marriage is not for is likely smarter than a woman who gets married and becomes unhappy as a result of her decision.  Just because you do not want to get married does not mean that you have be a nun, if you don’t choose to be a nun. Always practice safe sex, and once again, be discrete.  

3.  Jaded by Men.  Yes, jaded. Have you really wondered why there are more single women having casual sex? I can think of one reason - Bad relationships. There are many single women who have been in very bad relationships and want to take their time getting to know a person before getting into a monogamous relationship. Note that I am describing women who have emotionally healed since their last relationship and actively date while having “something on the side”. If you are a single woman and you fall into this category, you have to know how to separate sex from dating. Secondly, know when to let your guard down. Thirdly, you must know that all men are not the same, and you have to kiss a few frogs before finding your prince. If you need more references, I suggest watching a few episodes of Sex and the City.

Depression is a serious disorder that can lead to poor decisions, such has casual sex. However, it is unfair to label all single women who have casual sex as individuals who suffer from depression. This is a new day, and women are no longer barefoot in the kitchen. If you are depressed, don’t use sex as a coping mechanism. Seek professional help.  

- Heather Browning, MBA

Stein, J. (n.d.). Can Causal Sex be Linked to Depression?. Retrieved January 23, 2015.