Feeling hot hot hot: Affective determinants of sexual behavior

Sex in one of its many forms is an almost universal human experience. Given its ubiquity and its potential for widespread health impacts, understanding the determinants of sexual behaviors has become a topic of considerable scientific investigation. Sex is often a highly emotionally charged experience, so it is perhaps unsurprising that certain affective states have been shown to be closely tied to particular sexual behaviors. This chapter begins by briefly describing the evidence for why sex should be considered an important health behavior, including the health benefits associated with certain sexual behaviors and risks associated with others, and then outlines the research on some of the affective determinants of sexual behaviors. Specific topics include how emotional states predict sexual intercourse frequency and sexual arousal, the interplay of mood and sex in the context of romantic relationships, and affective determinants of risky sexual behaviors.